New treatments for lung infections caused by dangerous bacteria
Combination host-directed and antibacterial therapy for pulmonary intracellular infections
This project is looking for better ways to fight serious lung infections like tularemia and melioidosis by combining immune-boosting treatments with special antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131071 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' immune cells, called macrophages, can be exploited by dangerous bacteria like those causing tularemia and melioidosis, making these infections hard to treat. This project aims to find new ways to help your immune system fight back, alongside specially designed antibiotics that target these bacteria inside your lung cells. These new antibiotics are designed to stay active for several days after just one dose, which could make them much easier to use, especially in emergency situations or remote areas. The goal is to develop a combined treatment that is effective even when doctors aren't sure exactly which specific infection you have.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is foundational for patients who might suffer from severe, antibiotic-resistant lung infections like tularemia or melioidosis.
Not a fit: Patients with common, easily treatable bacterial infections or those without these specific types of severe intracellular infections would not directly benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, longer-lasting treatments for severe lung infections caused by highly resistant bacteria, potentially saving lives and improving patient care in challenging environments.
How similar studies have performed: While immune-therapy has shown promise in cancer and other infectious diseases, this specific combination of host-directed immune modulators with macrophage-targeted polymeric prodrugs for these particular intracellular lung infections represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stayton, Patrick S. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Stayton, Patrick S.
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 below.