Understanding how Burkholderia pseudomallei causes lung disease (melioidosis) and how our bodies fight back
Official title: Host-Pathogen Interactions in Melioidosis
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11585646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-year effort to uncover how the bacteria behind melioidosis infects the lungs, spreads, and interacts with the immune system, with the goal of guiding better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $704,042 |
| NIH project number | 3P01AI199402-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11585646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with melioidosis or individuals at risk in endemic regions, including those contributing clinical isolates or data.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or patients with unrelated infections are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This grant supports studies in a key infectious disease to map what makes Burkholderia pseudomallei dangerous in the lungs and how it evades or alters the immune response. Researchers will use animal models and clinical samples from endemic regions to identify bacterial factors needed for lung infection and dissemination, and to link immune pathways with disease outcomes. The work aims to translate findings into improved therapies and preventive strategies for melioidosis. Partnerships with clinical sites in endemic areas will provide access to diverse patient isolates and data to ensure findings are clinically relevant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could lead to new targets for antibiotics or adjunct therapies and better strategies to predict and prevent severe melioidosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with Bpm has identified virulence factors and immune interactions, supporting continued exploration with clinical isolates.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torres, Alfredo G — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Torres, Alfredo G
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.