Understanding how Rickettsia bacteria cause disease
Rickettsia-host interface and multiple paths to invasion
This research explores how Rickettsia bacteria, responsible for illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, enter and survive inside human cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086061 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Rickettsia infections, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, are becoming more common worldwide, yet we lack vaccines and effective treatments because we don't fully understand how these bacteria operate. This project aims to uncover the precise ways Rickettsia bacteria invade and survive within human cells, such as those lining blood vessels and immune cells. Researchers are investigating how these bacteria use special proteins to change cell structures and bypass our body's natural defenses. By understanding these detailed infection processes, we hope to discover new targets for developing better medicines and vaccines to protect people from these diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients without rickettsial infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new vaccines and treatments for rickettsial diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon the team's previous discoveries regarding how Rickettsia bacteria manipulate host cells.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahman, Mohammed Sayeedur — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Rahman, Mohammed Sayeedur
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.