Understanding how certain proteins help the immune system fight bacterial infections
Official title: New roles of IFN-inducible OAS proteins in innate immune defense against bacterial infections
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11245950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 23, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,500 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI176333-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11245950 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with recurrent bacterial infections or those at risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those not experiencing bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Saumendra N — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Saumendra N
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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.