Investigating how bone cells respond to Staphylococcus aureus infections
Official title: Type I interferon responses of bone cells to Staphylococcus aureus: A pilot study
Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-10984993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bone cells react to infections from a common bacteria that can cause bone problems, and it aims to find out how a specific part of the immune system helps manage inflammation and bone changes during these infections, which could lead to better understanding and treatment for people with bone disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $70,337 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI176300-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from osteomyelitis or other bone disorders related to bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bone disorders not related to bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how bone cells, particularly osteoblasts and osteoclasts, respond to infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria responsible for bone disorders like osteomyelitis. The study aims to explore the role of type I interferons, which are immune mediators, in the inflammatory response and bone remodeling processes during such infections. By examining the production of these interferons in infected bone cells, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of bone loss and inflammation associated with bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating bone infections and preventing bone loss.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that type I interferons play a significant role in immune responses to infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marriott, Ian — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: Marriott, Ian
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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.