Regulation of antibacterial interferon defense by MiT transcription factors
Official title: Regulation of antibacterial interferon defense by MiT family transcription factors
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11367102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how MiT family proteins (like TFE3 and TFEB) help the body trigger protective interferon responses against bacterial infections such as EHEC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | June 2, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $624,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI192641-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with bacterial infections, particularly those at risk for severe disease from pathogens like EHEC, could benefit from future therapies informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
People not affected by bacterial infections or those not eligible for future immune-boosting therapies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
The project aims to understand how certain human genes control the body’s early defense signals, especially type I interferons, when facing bacterial pathogens. Researchers will study MiT transcription factors to see how they influence the antibacterial immune response, with a focus on Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). The work will combine laboratory experiments that look at gene regulation, immune signaling, and how these pathways affect infection outcomes. Results could reveal new angles for therapies that boost innate immunity when antibiotics are limited or risky. Overall, the study seeks to map the genetic controls behind a critical anti-bacterial defense mechanism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to enhance innate immunity against bacterial infections, potentially improving outcomes where antibiotics are limited or harmful.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown type I interferons can influence bacterial defense, and this project builds on that foundation with a focus on MiT transcription factors.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kailasan Vanaja, Sivapriya — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Kailasan Vanaja, Sivapriya
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.