Understanding how metabolism affects inflammation during severe bacterial infections
Official title: Defining the mitochondrial metabolic regulation of systemic innate inflammation
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11117048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the body's metabolism during severe bacterial infections, like septicemia, affect important immune cells called neutrophils and their ability to fight off infections, with the hope of finding ways to help patients recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM154838-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing severe bacterial infections, particularly those at risk of developing septicemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not experiencing severe inflammatory responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between metabolic processes and inflammation in the context of severe bacterial infections, particularly septicemia. It focuses on neutrophils, which are key immune cells, and how their function is influenced by metabolic changes during infection. The study aims to explore how excess lactate, produced during septicemia, impacts a specific cell death process called NETosis, which is crucial for fighting infections but can also cause tissue damage. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into improving immune responses and patient outcomes during severe infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses and reducing tissue damage in patients with severe bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of metabolic processes in immune responses, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monteith, Andrew J — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Monteith, Andrew J
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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.