Understanding how a specific protein helps the body respond to bacterial infections
Official title: Human NLRP11 function in non-canonical inflammasome activation by bacterial pathogen LPS
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11032877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called NLRP11 that helps your immune system fight off bacterial infections, and it aims to understand how it works with certain bacteria to activate a process that can help protect your body, which could lead to better treatments for infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $514,981 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173030-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to bacterial infections or those who may have immune response deficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-infectious diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of NLRP11, a protein that helps the immune system recognize and respond to bacterial infections, specifically focusing on how it interacts with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which NLRP11 activates the CASP4 inflammasome, a critical component in triggering cell death in response to bacterial threats. By examining how NLRP11 functions in human immune cells, the research seeks to provide insights into the body's defense mechanisms against infections. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their immune systems respond to bacterial pathogens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for bacterial infections by enhancing our understanding of immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses to bacterial infections, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Marcia B — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Marcia B
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.