How two immune proteins control whooping cough inflammation
Pertussis inflammation is mediated by a balance between peptidoglycan recognition proteins-1 and -4
Researchers are trying to change the balance between two immune proteins to reduce lung inflammation from whooping cough.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is studying how two peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGLYRP1 and PGLYRP4) influence inflammation caused by Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough. They are testing how drugs that act on sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PR agonists) change levels of these proteins and how that affects lung inflammation. Experiments use established animal models, including mice and baboons, to see which immune actions protect tissue without worsening infection. The goal is to use these findings to guide development of new treatments that limit harmful inflammation in pertussis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with whooping cough or those at high risk of severe pertussis would be the eventual candidates for treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with coughs caused by other pathogens or conditions, or whose illness does not involve these specific immune pathways, are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new therapies that limit lung inflammation and tissue damage from whooping cough, especially when antibiotics are no longer effective.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical work in mice and baboons showed S1PR agonists can reduce lung inflammation, so this project builds on promising animal results.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skerry, Ciaran — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Skerry, Ciaran
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.