Understanding how bacterial biofilms affect immune metabolism
Official title: Reprogramming of the innate immunometabolism by bacterial biofilms
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10989938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sticky clusters of bacteria, called biofilms, affect immune cells in our body, and it’s for anyone interested in finding better ways to help the immune system fight off stubborn infections caused by these bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | November 17, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180971-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic infections associated with bacterial biofilms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections not related to biofilms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacterial biofilms, which are clusters of bacteria that can resist treatment, influence the metabolism of immune cells called dendritic cells. The study aims to compare the immune responses triggered by biofilms versus free-living bacteria, focusing on a specific bacterial component known as curli. By examining these interactions, the researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the body's defense against chronic infections caused by biofilms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the immune response against chronic bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to planktonic bacteria, but the specific focus on biofilms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallucci, Stefania — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Gallucci, Stefania
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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.