Understanding how Legionella pneumophila disrupts protein synthesis in host cells
Official title: Characterizing host translation inhibition by Legionella pneumophila
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10822046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' disease, messes with the way our cells make proteins, and by understanding this process, we hope to find better ways to treat infections caused by this germ.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI181301-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease or those at risk of infection due to underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other bacteria that do not utilize similar mechanisms of translation inhibition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires' disease, interferes with the process of protein synthesis in human cells. By examining the toxic proteins that Legionella injects into host cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these proteins inhibit translation, a critical process for cell function. The research employs biochemical techniques to analyze the interactions between Legionella's effectors and the host's translation machinery, providing insights into the pathogen's strategy for survival and replication. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating infections caused by this bacterium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel treatments for Legionnaires' disease and other infections caused by similar pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial mechanisms of translation inhibition, but this specific approach to Legionella pneumophila is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Joshua J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Black, Joshua J
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.