Understanding how bacteria use proteins to survive inside host cells
Official title: Structure and functions of a bacterial Type IV effector complex
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11093565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins from the bacteria Brucella abortus help it thrive inside our cells, which could lead to new ways to understand and fight bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,155 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185853-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by infections caused by Brucella species or similar bacterial pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-Brucella bacterial pathogens may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacterial proteins, known as effectors, help bacteria like Brucella abortus survive and grow inside host cells. By examining the interactions between multiple effector proteins, the study aims to uncover how these proteins coordinate their activities to manipulate host cellular processes. The researchers will focus on a specific complex of effector proteins that may inhibit host cell functions, which could lead to better understanding of bacterial infections. This work involves biochemical and biophysical techniques to analyze these interactions at a molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating bacterial infections by targeting the mechanisms that allow bacteria to thrive within host cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial effector proteins can lead to significant advancements in treating bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Celli, Jean a — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Celli, Jean a
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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.