Understanding how multiple infections affect lung health in cystic fibrosis
Official title: Host-Pathogen Interactions in a Cystic Fibrosis Polymicrobial Infection Model
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11051768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different germs work together in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, to understand why infections can stick around even with treatment, and it hopes to find better ways to help manage these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL172440-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who experience chronic lung infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cystic fibrosis or those who do not have chronic lung infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between various pathogens in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), focusing on how these infections develop and persist despite treatment. The study uses in vitro models to simulate the conditions of CF lungs, particularly the thick mucus and low oxygen levels that are typical in these patients. By examining how bacterial pathogens communicate and alter the immune response over time, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind chronic infections that are resistant to antibiotics. This could lead to new strategies for managing infections in CF patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, potentially enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While research on single-species infections in cystic fibrosis is well-established, this approach to studying polymicrobial infections is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Charpentier, Lily — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Charpentier, Lily
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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.