Understanding how certain proteins help the immune system fight bacterial infections

New roles of IFN-inducible OAS proteins in innate immune defense against bacterial infections

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11245950

This study is looking at how certain proteins in our immune system, called OAS proteins, can help our body fight off bacterial infections, which could lead to new ways to boost our immune response against these illnesses.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11245950 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Oligoadenylate Synthetase (OAS) proteins in enhancing the immune response against bacterial infections. By examining how these proteins function during such infections, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that could improve our understanding of innate immunity. The researchers will utilize various experimental models to explore the protective effects of specific OAS proteins, particularly OAS1 and OASL, against intracellular bacteria. This could lead to new insights into how the immune system can be harnessed to combat bacterial diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with recurrent bacterial infections or those at risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.

Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those not experiencing bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating bacterial infections, especially those resistant to antibiotics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseasesautoimmune disorderautoimmunity diseasebacteria infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.