Siglec-E's role in clearing bacterial infections

The molecular mechanism of Siglec-E in bacterial clearance

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11319746

Researchers are looking at how a protein called Siglec-E helps the immune system fight bacteria that can cause sepsis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11319746 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This lab project studies how Siglec-E, a receptor on immune cells, affects the body's ability to clear Gram-negative bacteria that can cause sepsis. Scientists will use mouse infection models and laboratory tests to see how Siglec-E changes immune cell behavior and production of reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria. They will compare normal mice to ones lacking Siglec-E and measure survival, bacterial counts, and immune responses. The team aims to map the molecular steps by which Siglec-E helps or hinders clearance of different kinds of bacteria.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project is preclinical and uses mouse and laboratory samples, so there are no enrollment opportunities for patients with infections.

Not a fit: People with current bacterial infections or sepsis are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-based work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to boost bacterial clearance and reduce deaths from sepsis.

How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies from the team showed that losing Siglec-E increased death after Gram-negative infection and linked Siglec-E to higher reactive oxygen species, so this builds on promising preclinical results.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.