Understanding how Listeria bacteria interact with our immune system
Project 1: Listeria metabolites and innate immunity
This research explores how our body's natural defenses recognize and fight off bacteria like Listeria, which can cause serious infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135558 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking closely at how the Listeria bacteria, a common cause of food poisoning, interacts with our immune system. Our team is studying how the body's immune cells detect signals from these bacteria and how these signals lead to a protective response. We also want to understand how Listeria might avoid or change these immune responses to cause illness, especially in vulnerable areas like the brain and placenta. This work uses a model system to uncover the basic ways our bodies fight off infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this knowledge could seek individuals with bacterial infections or those at risk.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat bacterial infections by boosting our natural immune defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous discoveries from this group have shown that bacterial signals can activate host immune responses, providing a strong foundation for this continued work.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Portnoy, Daniel a — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Portnoy, Daniel a
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 below.