Understanding how Listeria bacteria evade the immune system
Official title: Identification of Listeria monocytogenes immune evasion mechanisms
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10734793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the harmful bacteria Listeria monocytogenes hides from our immune system using zebrafish to help find out which parts of the bacteria make it so tough, with the hope of creating better antibiotics to treat infections caused by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | November 4, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173738-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of Listeria infections, including pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Listeria monocytogenes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium, avoids detection and destruction by the immune system. Using zebrafish as a model organism, the study aims to identify specific bacterial factors that contribute to its virulence. By employing advanced techniques like transposon insertion sequencing, researchers will pinpoint genes essential for the bacterium's survival and replication within host cells. This work could lead to the development of new antibiotics that target these virulence factors, potentially improving treatment options for infections caused by Listeria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that effectively combat Listeria infections and reduce antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified bacterial virulence factors in other pathogens, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for Listeria as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sauer, John-Demian — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Sauer, John-Demian
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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.