Understanding how gonorrhea infects women
Neisseria gonorrhoeae exploits host interferon epsilon to establish infection in the female urogenital tract
This research explores how the body's natural defenses might actually help gonorrhea bacteria cause infection in women, especially as antibiotic resistance grows.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117082 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that is becoming harder to treat with current antibiotics. This project looks at a specific immune protein, interferon-epsilon (IFN-e), found in the female genital tract. We are learning how this protein, influenced by hormones like estrogen, might unintentionally help the gonorrhea bacteria survive and cause infection. By understanding this process, we hope to find new ways to fight the infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the biology of gonorrhea infection in women.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for active gonorrhea infection would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, offering alternatives to traditional antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: This approach explores a novel role for interferon-epsilon in bacterial infection, building on preliminary findings that suggest its involvement.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golenbock, Douglas T — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Golenbock, Douglas T
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 below.