Regulating neutrophil ER stress to improve lung defenses against MRSA
Official title: Regulation of neutrophil endoplasmic reticulum stress response by IRE1a
Funded at Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge · NIH-11367032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at helping people with lung infections like MRSA, this grant studies how immune cells called neutrophils manage stress inside their cells to better fight bacteria in the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $599,480 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI193067-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with or at risk for MRSA-related lung infections or other severe bacterial lung infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MRSA or non-infectious lung diseases may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how neutrophils respond to lung infections by bacteria, especially MRSA, by managing stress in their own cells. Researchers will investigate the role of a specific ER stress sensor, IRE1α, in neutrophil function during lung infections. The study combines animal models and cellular approaches to understand whether boosting this pathway could enhance bacterial clearance and reduce lung damage. Findings could point to new, host-directed therapies that strengthen the body’s own defenses rather than relying solely on antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to boost the body's own defenses against severe lung infections like MRSA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed ER stress pathways can influence immune cell function in infection settings, suggesting this approach has basis but requires confirmation in lung infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abuaita, Basel Hanna — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
- Study coordinator: Abuaita, Basel Hanna
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.