Understanding how a specific protein helps bacteria cause pneumonic plague
Official title: Defining the Role of the Plasminogen Activator Protease in the Early Events that Establish Primary Pneumonic Plague
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11072999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein from the bacteria that causes pneumonic plague helps it hide from the body's defenses in the lungs, and it aims to find new ways to treat this serious infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $302,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI153252-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at risk of exposure to Yersinia pestis, such as those in endemic areas or with occupational exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for pneumonic plague or those who have already been diagnosed and are symptomatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Yersinia Plasminogen activator protease (Pla) in the early stages of pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The study aims to understand how Pla helps the bacteria evade the immune response in the lungs, allowing it to replicate before symptoms appear. Researchers will create and test mutant versions of Pla to see how it affects the bacteria's ability to adhere to immune cells and trigger immune responses. This work could provide insights into new treatment strategies for pneumonic plague.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pneumonic plague, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with this deadly infection.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of Pla in pneumonic plague is being explored in this research, similar studies on bacterial virulence factors have shown promise in understanding and treating infectious diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pechous, Roger D — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Pechous, Roger D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how metal ions trigger transthyretin misfolding and toxic clumps in degenerative diseases
This grant looks at how metal ions like zinc and calcium may cause the protein transthyretin to misfold and form harmful clumps that could contribute to conditions like cardiomyopathy and nerve disease.
-
BipA’s role in Yersinia pestis causing pneumonic plague
A small NIH-funded project will explore how a bacterial protein called BipA helps Yersinia pestis cause severe lung infection in mice.
-
Noninvasive blood pressure and biomarker panel using AI-enhanced 2-site PPG
Aims to create a portable, noninvasive device that uses optical signals to estimate blood pressure, blood glucose, and arterial health markers for people at risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
-
Optogenetic study of EPHA1 mutations linked to Alzheimer's disease
A patient-friendly look at how specific EPHA1 gene changes found in some people with Alzheimer’s might affect brain cells, using light-activated receptors to map their effects.
-
Improving glaucoma risk predictions using diverse genetic data
A glaucoma study uses genetic data from people of African, American, and European ancestry to build better risk scores and help with early detection.
-
How brain cleanup after injury works and what helps it
Researchers are studying how brain cleaning cells remove dead cells after a traumatic brain injury and whether a protein called MERTK helps or hinders this process to support recovery.
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.