How the immune signal IL-27 affects Legionnaires' disease and lung inflammation
Interleukin-27 in host response to Legionella infection
This project looks at whether a molecule called IL-27 changes lung inflammation and recovery in people with Legionnaires' disease, a severe type of pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134425 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses fluid and immune cells from people with Legionnaires' disease alongside lab and mouse experiments to learn how IL-27 influences lung infection and inflammation. Researchers measure IL-27 levels in broncho‑alveolar lavage and blood and study how altering IL-27 or its receptor changes immune cell behavior. The team examines alveolar macrophages and signaling pathways (like STAT1/STAT3) to see why some infections cause worse lung damage. Results are meant to point toward ways to reduce harmful inflammation or help the body clear Legionella.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People hospitalized with confirmed or suspected Legionnaires' disease who can provide lung fluid or blood samples (for example during bronchoscopy) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without Legionella infection, those with mild outpatient pneumonia not needing sampling, or people unable to undergo bronchoscopy are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that reduce lung injury and improve outcomes for people with Legionnaires' disease by targeting IL-27 signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Prior patient-sample data and mouse experiments suggest IL-27 is involved in Legionella infection, but turning that knowledge into treatments is new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bosmann, Markus — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Bosmann, Markus
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.