Understanding how granulomas protect the body from bacterial infections
Official title: Pyroptosis maintains the integrity of a granuloma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11049113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells work together to fight off bacterial infections, using a special mouse model, to help us understand how our bodies can better tackle tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,317 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175078-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic bacterial infections or those who have conditions that lead to granuloma formation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute bacterial infections that resolve quickly or those without granuloma-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of granulomas, which are immune structures that form in response to bacterial infections. Using a novel mouse model infected with Chromobacterium violaceum, the study aims to understand how granulomas develop and function to contain and eliminate infections. The research will explore the dynamics of immune cell responses, particularly focusing on neutrophils and macrophages, to uncover the mechanisms that lead to successful infection resolution. By studying these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into how the immune system can effectively combat persistent infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the immune response against bacterial infections, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding granuloma biology, but this specific approach using the C. violaceum model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miao, Edward a — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Miao, Edward a
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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.