Understanding how our bodies fight bacterial infections
GBPs in inflammasome activation and host defense to infection
This work explores how special proteins in our immune system help detect and fight off bacterial infections inside our cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226782 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system has a built-in alarm system called inflammasomes that detect danger from infections or tissue damage. This project focuses on how these alarms recognize bacteria, especially a part of their cell wall called LPS, inside our cells. We are learning about specific proteins called Guanylate-Binding Proteins (GBPs) that guide this alarm system. Some GBPs help expose bacterial LPS so the alarm can find it, while others help destroy infected cells and kill bacteria, offering new insights into how our bodies defend against invaders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit anyone susceptible to or suffering from bacterial infections in the future.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial conditions or those not seeking improvements in host defense mechanisms may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to boost our immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Research into inflammasomes and host defense is an active field, and this work builds upon existing knowledge while exploring novel roles for GBPs.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macmicking, John David — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Macmicking, John David
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.