Investigating how a bacterial protein affects immune signaling
Official title: The role of a Coxiella burnetii effector protein that inhibits RIG-I signaling
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11003691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a germ called Coxiella burnetii, which causes Q fever, tricks our immune system by using a special protein, EmcB, to block an important immune response, and it aims to help us understand how this happens so we can find better ways to fight infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2024 |
| Project end | January 15, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,922 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI181493-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Q fever or are at risk of infection from Coxiella burnetii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of Coxiella burnetii infection or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which causes Q fever, manipulates the immune response in infected cells. The study specifically examines a protein called EmcB that inhibits a key immune signaling pathway known as RIG-I. By using various biochemical assays and infection models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which this protein disrupts the immune response, potentially leading to new insights into bacterial infections and immune evasion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating infections caused by Coxiella burnetii and similar pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune evasion mechanisms by other bacterial pathogens, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan-Lowey, Jeffrey Kardas — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Duncan-Lowey, Jeffrey Kardas
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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.