Understanding how a bacterial toxin damages lung cells during pneumonia
Official title: Mechanism of Toxin Mediated Damage to the Lung Epithelium during S. pneumoniae Infection
Funded at San Jose State University · NIH-11061893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a toxin from a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae affects lung cells, with the hope of learning more about how pneumonia damages the lungs and finding better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Jose State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Jose, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $146,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI182337-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or currently suffering from pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pneumonia caused by other pathogens or those without lung epithelial damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of a toxin produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae on lung epithelial cells. It focuses on how this toxin, pneumolysin, disrupts important cell junctions that maintain the integrity of lung tissue. Using a specialized culture system that mimics lung conditions, researchers will measure changes in cell behavior when exposed to the toxin. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms of lung damage during pneumonia, which could lead to improved treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect lung cells from damage during pneumonia infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial toxins can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
San Jose State University
San Jose, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Walter Isaiah — San Jose State University
- Study coordinator: Adams, Walter Isaiah
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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.