Limiting tissue damage in necrotizing fasciitis by targeting tissue fat metabolism
Official title: Targeting host lipid metabolism to limit tissue damage in necrotizing fasciitis
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11466996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether changing how tissues handle fats can protect skin and immune cells from damage during necrotizing fasciitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $644,923 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI175831-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11466996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with suspected or confirmed necrotizing fasciitis or severe group A strep skin infections at high risk of rapid tissue necrosis.
✕Less likely to help
People with non-bacterial skin conditions, superficial infections, or infections not involving cholesterol-dependent bacterial toxins are unlikely to benefit from these approaches.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the way cells manage cholesterol and other lipids affects how toxins from bacteria tear apart skin and soft tissue in necrotizing fasciitis. They will use lab techniques like mass spectrometry, single-cell sequencing, and advanced imaging while altering lipid pathways with genetic tools and drugs in cell and animal models. The team aims to see if shifting tissue lipid metabolism makes cells more resistant to the bacterial toxins that drive rapid tissue destruction. Findings could point to host-directed treatments that work alongside antibiotics and surgery to limit damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce tissue destruction, lower the need for extensive surgical removal, and improve recovery and survival from necrotizing fasciitis.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory studies have shown that altering cellular cholesterol can change susceptibility to bacterial toxins, but translating lipid-targeting strategies into treatments for human necrotizing fasciitis remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bensinger, Steven J — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Bensinger, Steven J
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.