Protecting lymphatic vessel muscle cells from MRSA to keep lymph flowing
Enhancing immunity by protecting lymphatic muscle cells from MRSA-Induced dysfunction
This project looks for ways to stop Staph infections from damaging the muscle cells that pump lymph so people with recurrent skin infections and lymphedema can keep fluid moving normally.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will study how Staphylococcus aureus infections harm the tiny muscle cells that make lymphatic vessels contract. They will use mouse infection models, single-cell RNA sequencing, and cell lineage tracking to map which cells are lost or changed during infection and how bacterial toxins cause that damage. The team will test molecular pathways that could protect or restore those muscle cells to preserve lymph flow. Ultimately the work aims to break the cycle of infection and worsening swelling that many patients experience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have recurrent Staphylococcus skin and soft tissue infections or early-stage infection-associated lymphedema are the most directly relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose lymphedema is due to non-infectious causes, such as congenital lymphatic defects or surgical removal of lymph nodes, may not benefit directly from these infection-focused findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that prevent or reduce infection-driven lymphedema and lower the risk of recurrent skin infections by preserving lymphatic function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown Staph toxins can impair lymphatic muscle cells, but strategies to protect these cells and translate findings toward patient treatments remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Dennis — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Jones, Dennis
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.