Salmonella biofilms and autoimmune arthritis risk in humans
Official title: Salmonella biofilms in the gut
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11390113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how a Salmonella infection may trigger autoimmunity and inflammatory joint disease in people who carry certain genetic factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $198,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI200326-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with autoimmune risk factors or a history of reactive arthritis, and patients with prior Salmonella infection, may benefit from future applications of these findings.
✕Less likely to help
People without autoimmune risk factors or a history of reactive arthritis may see limited direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
The research uses a mouse model of Salmonella Typhimurium biofilms to understand how a bacterial protein called curli activates immune pathways linked to autoimmune disease. It then connects these findings to human genetics, especially HLA-B27, to see who might be at higher risk. By studying curli/DNA complexes and their ability to drive autoantibodies and inflammatory signals, researchers aim to reveal steps that could lead to Reactive Arthritis after infection. The study will translate these mechanisms toward identifying potential targets for prevention or treatment in susceptible patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify markers and targets to prevent or lessen autoimmune arthritis after gut infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked curli/DNA complexes to autoimmune responses in animal models, supporting the plausibility of translating these insights to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tukel, Cagla — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Tukel, Cagla
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.