Understanding how Legionella bacteria survive inside host cells
Official title: Dissecting a sensory system for Legionella replication vacuole integrity
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11093470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Legionella bacteria grow inside our cells and how they protect themselves, with the goal of finding new ways to create antibiotics that can fight these tough infections, especially those that don't respond to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,547 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180914-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Legionella or other antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by intracellular bacteria or those who are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Legionella bacteria replicate within host cells and the mechanisms that allow them to maintain their protective environment, known as the replication vacuole. By examining the sensory systems that help these bacteria adapt to challenges posed by the host, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for antibiotic development. The approach involves studying the interactions between the bacteria and host cells to uncover critical processes that could be disrupted to enhance pathogen elimination. This could lead to the development of novel antimicrobial strategies that are effective against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial survival mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connor, Tamara — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: O'connor, Tamara
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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.