Understanding how cystic fibrosis affects the immune response to a common lung infection.
Official title: The cystic fibrosis sputum compromises the ability of neutrophils to kill Staphylococcus aureus
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11051910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why immune cells called neutrophils have a hard time fighting off a common lung bacteria in people with cystic fibrosis, and it hopes to find ways to help these patients breathe easier by understanding how the mucus in their lungs affects these immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $217,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183057-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children with cystic fibrosis who are experiencing lung infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cystic fibrosis or those who do not have infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why neutrophils, a type of immune cell, struggle to kill Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium found in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The study focuses on the role of CF sputum, which may inhibit the neutrophils' ability to eliminate this pathogen despite their presence in the airways. By analyzing the components of CF sputum, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that prevent effective bacterial clearance. This could lead to new strategies for improving lung health in CF patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance the ability of the immune system to fight lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being investigated may be novel, previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in cystic fibrosis can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rada, Balazs — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Rada, Balazs
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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.