Understanding how Group A Streptococcus survives in immune cells
Official title: Macrophage Second-line Responses to Group A Streptoccocus Infection
Funded at Occidental College · NIH-10875254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a type of bacteria called Group A Streptococcus can hide from immune cells that usually help fight infections, and it aims to find new ways to improve treatments and vaccines for people dealing with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Occidental College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $397,931 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI176429-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe invasive Group A Streptococcus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-invasive infections or those who have not been affected by Group A Streptococcus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Group A Streptococcus (GAS) manages to survive and persist within macrophages, which are immune cells that typically help eliminate infections. The study aims to explore the second-line responses of macrophages when the bacteria evade destruction by lysosomes, focusing on how GAS affects cellular processes and immune responses. By examining the interactions between GAS and macrophages, the research seeks to identify potential targets for improved treatments and vaccines against these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments and vaccines for infections caused by Group A Streptococcus.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining macrophage responses to GAS is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial survival mechanisms in immune cells.
Where this research is happening
-
Occidental College
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okumura, Cheryl Ym — Occidental College
- Study coordinator: Okumura, Cheryl Ym
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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.