Understanding how pneumonia bacteria stay in the body
Mechanisms of Pneumococcal Persistence During Carriage
This research explores how the bacteria that cause pneumonia can live in the nose and throat for a long time, especially in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11013518 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies can carry the bacteria that cause pneumonia without getting sick, but sometimes these bacteria lead to serious infections. This project uses advanced genetic and immune system tools in mouse models to understand how these bacteria stay in the upper airways. We are particularly interested in how our body's natural defenses, like immune signals called IL-1 and IL-17, work to clear these bacteria. We also want to learn why infants might have a harder time clearing these bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience recurrent bacterial respiratory infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, could eventually benefit from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial infections or those whose conditions are unrelated to Streptococcus pneumoniae persistence would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat pneumonia and other bacterial infections by understanding how our immune system fights them off.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon 30 years of prior research by the laboratory, suggesting a strong foundation of previous findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiser, Jeffrey Neal — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Weiser, Jeffrey Neal
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.