How the protein FSTL-1 helps lungs fight antibiotic-resistant pneumonia
Follistatin-like 1 Mediated Host Defense in Bacterial Pneumonia
This work looks at whether a protein called FSTL-1 can help lungs recruit immune cells and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria in people with pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132631 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies a protein called FSTL-1 that researchers think helps the lungs fight bacterial pneumonia. Using lab and preclinical models of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, scientists will study how FSTL-1 binds to CD14 and controls recruitment of neutrophils, a key white blood cell. They will also test whether FSTL-1 helps neutrophils kill bacteria through a pathway involving the nuclear receptor NR4A1. The results could point to new host-directed treatments to help people clear antibiotic-resistant lung infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bacterial pneumonia—especially those with antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella infections or recurrent severe lung infections—would be most likely to benefit from future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: People with viral pneumonia, noninfectious lung disease, or mild self-resolving infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new immune-based strategies to help patients clear antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: While immune modulation has transformed cancer and autoimmune care, host-directed immunotherapies for bacterial pneumonia are largely novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campfield, Brian T — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Campfield, Brian T
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.