Understanding how peroxisomes help bacteria survive inside human cells
Deciphering the role of peroxisomes in bacterial pathogenesis
This study is looking at how tiny parts of our cells called peroxisomes help the bacteria Legionella pneumophila survive and multiply inside our bodies, with the hope that understanding this could lead to new ways to boost our immune system against infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10895556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of peroxisomes, a type of cellular organelle, in the survival and replication of bacterial pathogens within human cells. By focusing on the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which can evade the immune system by growing inside host cells, the research aims to uncover how peroxisomes support this process. The approach involves studying the interactions between peroxisomes and bacterial replication vacuoles, which are crucial for the bacteria's growth and protection from immune responses. If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target these interactions to enhance the immune response against infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving intracellular pathogens.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by extracellular bacteria or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively target antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting intracellular bacterial survival mechanisms, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connor, Tamara — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: O'connor, Tamara
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.