Understanding how pneumonia bacteria invade organs during bloodstream infections
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying organ penetration in disseminated pneumococcal infection
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10975032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae gets into different organs when it causes a serious infection in the blood, and it aims to find ways to help create better vaccines and understand the risks of these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,109 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172796-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for severe pneumococcal infections, particularly those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those who do not have a history of pneumococcal disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which Streptococcus pneumoniae invades organs during bacteremia, a serious condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream. The team will explore how the bacteria interact with vascular endothelial cells, focusing on the role of the bacterial capsule in this process. By examining different serotypes of the bacteria, the research aims to uncover how specific biochemical features influence their ability to penetrate organs. The findings could lead to improved strategies for vaccine development and risk assessment for infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better vaccines and treatments for bacterial infections that invade organs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial interactions with host cells, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orihuela, Carlos J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Orihuela, Carlos J
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.