How the immune system fights Yersinia infections in the gut and body
Dissecting innate immune control of intestinal and systemic Yersinia infection
This work looks at how certain immune cells and signals help control Yersinia bacterial infections in the intestines and other organs to inform better ways to stop these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292849 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use laboratory infection models to study pyogranulomas, which are immune cell clusters formed during Yersinia infection that can both contain and harbor bacteria. The team examines the roles of CCR2-dependent inflammatory monocytes, neutrophil activation, and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) signaling using genetically altered mice and tissue-level analyses. They compare bacterial levels inside pyogranulomas to nearby tissue and measure inflammatory signals such as IL-1 to understand how organized immune structures form and function. Results are intended to reveal mechanisms that could be targeted to improve control of intestinal and systemic Yersinia infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Yersinia gastrointestinal infections or those who develop systemic Yersinia complications are the most directly related patient group.
Not a fit: Patients with illnesses caused by unrelated non-Yersinia pathogens or non-infectious conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune pathways that new treatments or vaccines might target to better control Yersinia and related bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown key roles for monocytes and TNF signaling in controlling Yersinia, while the identification of intestinal pyogranulomas is a newer finding that needs further confirmation.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brodsky, Igor E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Brodsky, Igor E
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.