Investigating new treatments for Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii.
Official title: Defining the impact of host-directed drugs on Coxiella burnetii growth in macrophages
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11111325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain medications can help fight the bacteria that cause Q fever by changing how our immune cells work, with the goal of finding better treatments for people dealing with this illness, especially those with long-lasting symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173725-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Q fever, especially those experiencing chronic symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Q fever who are not experiencing significant symptoms or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain host-directed drugs can inhibit the growth of Coxiella burnetii, the bacteria responsible for Q fever, within human macrophages. The study aims to identify the specific neurotransmitter systems involved in the bacteria's replication and how these drugs can alter the immune response of macrophages to better combat the infection. By using primary human alveolar macrophages and lung tissue samples, the research seeks to provide insights into potential new therapies for patients suffering from Q fever, particularly those with chronic forms of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Q fever, reducing the duration and severity of illness for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using host-directed drugs is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other bacterial infections, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Voth, Daniel E — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Voth, Daniel E
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.