How the tick-borne bacterium Ehrlichia hijacks cell signals to stop infected cells from dying
Ehrlichia Notch SLiM-activated oncoprotein inhibition of apoptosis
This project looks at how Ehrlichia uses human cell signaling to block death of infected immune cells, aiming to help people who get tick‑borne ehrlichiosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228777 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study proteins from the tick‑borne bacterium Ehrlichia that appear to mimic human signaling pieces called SLiMs and activate the Notch pathway. They will use molecular and cell biology approaches to see how these bacterial proteins bind host receptors and prevent infected immune cells from undergoing apoptosis. Experiments will use cultured human cells and biochemical methods to map the specific interactions and consequences for infection. The goal is to define the detailed steps the bacterium uses so new therapies can be proposed to stop it from hiding inside immune cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research would be the most relevant participants or sample donors.
Not a fit: Individuals without tick exposure risk or with unrelated chronic conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets for drugs or vaccines that prevent Ehrlichia from subverting immune cells and reduce severe tick‑borne illness.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown Ehrlichia depends on host pathways like Notch and Wnt and have mapped many TRP-host interactions, but the specific SLiM-based mimicry mechanism is a novel area of study.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcbride, Jere W — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Mcbride, Jere W
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.