Understanding and treating infections caused by biofilms on catheters
Delineating host response to central venous catheter associated Candida albicans biofilm infections, and development of novel therapeutics to combat drug resistant biofilms
This study is looking at how the immune system reacts to infections from a type of fungus that can grow on catheters, using rats to learn more about how these infections work and how we might treat them better, including testing some existing medications that are already approved for other uses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11051828 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to infections caused by Candida albicans biofilms that form on central venous catheters. By using a rat model, the study aims to identify the virulence factors of these biofilms and the host's immune response to them. Advanced technology will be employed to create a detailed map of gene expression during the infection, which will help in developing new therapeutic strategies. The research also explores the effectiveness of repurposed FDA-approved drugs in combating these drug-resistant biofilms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with central venous catheters who are at risk of developing Candida albicans infections.
Not a fit: Patients without central venous catheters or those not at risk for Candida albicans infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively clear biofilm-associated infections, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding biofilm infections and developing treatments, but this specific approach using spatial genomics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Torrance, United States
- Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center — Torrance, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uppuluri, Priya — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Uppuluri, Priya
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.