Investigating how Chlamydia pneumoniae infects human cells
Official title: Addressing genetic tractability and species-specific infection biology in Chlamydia pneumoniae
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10735892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria cause respiratory infections, like pneumonia and bronchitis, by using new tools to change its genes, which could help us find better treatments for these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | November 7, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173735-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10735892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing respiratory infections, particularly those diagnosed with pneumonia or bronchitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens unrelated to Chlamydia pneumoniae may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the infection mechanisms of Chlamydia pneumoniae, a common respiratory pathogen. By developing new genetic tools, the researchers aim to manipulate the bacteria's genes to better understand how it interacts with human cells. This could lead to insights into the disease processes associated with infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. The study will also explore the differences between Chlamydia pneumoniae and other related species, which may help in developing targeted treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for respiratory infections caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Chlamydia trachomatis has shown success in understanding its infection mechanisms, this approach for Chlamydia pneumoniae is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fields, Kenneth a — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fields, Kenneth a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
East Palestine health impact study following train derailment
A community-engaged study in East Palestine will follow residents to understand health symptoms, exposure markers, and air quality after a major train derailment.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
Regulation of exon junction complex in cancer biology
This grant studies how a key molecular complex that controls RNA processing acts in cancer, with the aim of understanding how it contributes to cancer cell behavior.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
-
Kentucky workplace health surveillance program improving safety for workers
A national institute-funded program is supporting Kentucky to monitor and improve safety and health at work for better protection of workers.
-
Gabapentin use in older adults and related health outcomes
This project will look at how gabapentin is used by older adults and whether that use is linked to health outcomes using Medicare data.
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.