Understanding how Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects host cells
Official title: Tool development for Anaplasma phagocytophilum to understand determinants of infection
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-10999471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which can make people sick, and the researchers want to find out how it tricks our cells to cause infection, so they can discover new ways to help treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $259,814 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI179933-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have been diagnosed with infections caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum or are at risk of such infections would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens or those who do not have any arthropod-borne infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted by arthropods and can cause significant health issues. The team aims to develop new genetic tools to study how this bacterium interacts with host cells, particularly through a system that allows it to manipulate host cell processes. By creating assays and expression systems, they will investigate the specific proteins that the bacteria use to establish infection and evade the immune response. This work could lead to a better understanding of the infection process and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive measures for infections caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of developing genetic tools for studying Anaplasma phagocytophilum is innovative, similar methods have shown promise in understanding other rickettsial pathogens.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brayton, Kelly Ann — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Brayton, Kelly Ann
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.