Understanding how bacteria interact in cystic fibrosis lungs
Official title: Deciphering How Bacterial Surface Properties Influence Social Behaviors
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11131540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a harmful germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa behaves in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, to better understand why some treatments don’t work well and to find new ways to help fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,621 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI184449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who are experiencing chronic lung infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cystic fibrosis or those not currently infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a harmful bacterium that infects the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. It aims to understand how the surface properties of these bacteria influence their social interactions and organization within the lung environment. By examining how changes in bacterial surface structures affect their ability to form aggregates and resist treatment, the study seeks to uncover new insights into why current antibiotic therapies often fail. The research will involve analyzing bacterial samples from CF patients to explore these interactions in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis patients by enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotic therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial interactions can lead to breakthroughs in treating chronic infections, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diggle, Stephen Paul — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Diggle, Stephen Paul
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.