T cells and immune response in Staph infections after craniotomy
T cell-innate immune crosstalk regulates Staphylococcus aureus craniotomy infection
This research looks at how T cells and other immune cells affect Staphylococcus aureus biofilms that cause infections after skull surgery to help people who have had craniotomies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299505 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers use a mouse model that mimics human craniotomy infections to study how T cells interact with Staph aureus biofilms on the replaced bone flap. They alter T cell populations and measure bacterial levels, immune cell activation, and inflammation in the brain and surrounding tissues. The team analyzes gene signals (including IFN-γ–related genes) in microglia and other immune cells to understand how T cell-innate immune crosstalk keeps bacteria in a biofilm state. Their goal is to learn ways to promote biofilm clearance so infections are easier to treat.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a craniotomy or who are at risk for or experiencing a bone-flap or post-craniotomy Staphylococcus aureus infection would be the most relevant patients.
Not a fit: People without a history of craniotomy or whose infections are caused by organisms other than Staphylococcus aureus are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help clear bone-flap Staph infections and reduce post-craniotomy complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and clinical work has shown Staph biofilms resist antibiotics and that immune responses affect infection behavior, but targeting T cell–biofilm interactions is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kielian, Tammy L — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kielian, Tammy L
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.