How Yersinia bacteria target infection-fighting neutrophils
Dissecting Yersinia Yop Targets in Neutrophils
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11259426
This project looks at how proteins from Yersinia bacteria weaken neutrophils, the white blood cells that help fight infections, which could matter for people with infections or immune conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259426 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project examines how Yersinia bacteria inject proteins called Yops into neutrophils and which neutrophil processes they disrupt (like reactive oxygen production, degranulation, NETs, and phagocytosis). Researchers focus on two Yop proteins, YopH and YopO, and on a neutrophil protein called SKAP2 that is linked to autoimmune disease and cancer risk. They will use neutrophils derived from myeloid progenitor stem cells and laboratory infection models to follow signaling events such as Syk phosphorylation and ROS production. The goal is to explain how neutrophil dysfunction contributes to worse bacterial infections and to immune-related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent Gram-negative bacterial infections, known neutrophil dysfunction, or autoimmune conditions associated with SKAP2 changes could be most relevant and might be invited to provide blood samples in related studies.
Not a fit: Patients without neutrophil-related problems or those seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect or boost neutrophil function to better clear bacterial infections and potentially lessen related immune complications.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have identified SKAP2 as important for neutrophil responses and shown Yersinia Yops can alter immune function, but fully mapping all Yop targets and their disease roles remains new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MECSAS, JOAN C — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: MECSAS, JOAN C
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.
Conditions: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Autoimmune Diseases