Investigating how the body responds to Shigella infections
Official title: Host factors in shigellosis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10991660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Shigella bacteria cause illness in young rabbits to help us better understand how these infections affect people, especially when it comes to the immune system's response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $681,245 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179778-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals, particularly children and adults, who are at risk of or have experienced Shigella infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by Shigella infections or do not have a history of dysentery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the body reacts to infections caused by the Shigella bacteria, which leads to bacillary dysentery. Using infant rabbits as a model, the researchers aim to explore how the bacteria invade the colon and the role of immune cells in the disease process. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to clarify controversial aspects of Shigella infections and improve our understanding of the disease's impact on human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments and prevention strategies for Shigella infections, potentially reducing the incidence of dysentery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study bacterial infections, but this specific approach using infant rabbits for Shigella is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agaisse, Herve F — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Agaisse, Herve F
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.