Understanding how our body fights off hidden bacterial infections
The intersection of innate and adaptive immunity to intracellular pathogens
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11135553
This research explores how our immune system naturally defends against tough-to-fight bacterial infections that hide inside our cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11135553 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research looks closely at how our body's natural defenses, called the innate immune system, react to bacteria that hide inside our cells. We want to understand the specific ways these bacteria, like those causing Listeria, Legionnaires' disease, and tuberculosis, interact with our immune cells. The team is exploring how our immune system detects these hidden invaders and activates important protective responses, such as those involving STING and autophagy. By learning more about these complex interactions, we hope to find new ways to help our bodies fight off these challenging infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit anyone susceptible to severe bacterial infections like Listeria, Legionnaires' disease, or tuberculosis in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by intracellular bacterial infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing serious bacterial infections by boosting our natural immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: This is a renewal of an existing program, building on previous successful work in understanding immune responses to these pathogens.
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections