Understanding how immune cells fight Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in the bloodstream
Official title: Defining macrophage defense during Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11313050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages help fight off infections from a bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae, especially when it gets into the bloodstream, and it aims to find ways to boost our body's ability to tackle these serious infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AI175481-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals diagnosed with Klebsiella pneumoniae infections or those at high risk for developing bacteremia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those who do not have a bloodstream infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in controlling infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, particularly during bacteremia, which is a serious bloodstream infection. The study aims to uncover how different macrophage populations interact with the bacteria in various organs, especially the spleen and lungs, to either restrict or allow the infection to persist. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding the immune response to this pathogen and its implications for sepsis. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing the body's defense against severe bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from severe bloodstream infections, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune responses to bacterial infections, but the specific interactions between macrophages and Klebsiella pneumoniae during bacteremia are less explored, making this a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holmes, Caitlyn Leigh — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Holmes, Caitlyn Leigh
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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.