Understanding how bacteria adapt in the skin during infections
Official title: Investigating CovRS activation within skin microenvironments to drive heterogenicity of Streptococcus pyogenes gene expression
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10978203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, changes its behavior in our skin and how it avoids our immune system, which could help us find better ways to treat tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI179103-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or are at risk for complications such as acute rheumatic heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild, superficial infections or those who have not been affected by Streptococcus pyogenes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes changes its behavior in response to the skin environment, particularly focusing on a regulatory system called CovRS. By studying how this system interacts with host signals, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow the bacteria to evade the immune system and cause severe infections. The approach involves advanced 3D cell culture techniques to mimic real skin conditions, providing insights into bacterial gene expression and virulence. This could lead to new treatment strategies for infections that currently have limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies for treating severe Streptococcus pyogenes infections and preventing chronic complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding bacterial behavior in similar contexts, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerra, Stephanie Corinne — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Guerra, Stephanie Corinne
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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.