Understanding how Rickettsia bacteria interact with their hosts and vectors
Official title: Transposon mutagenesis of Rickettsia for studying Rickettsia-host-vector interactions
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10993641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Rickettsia bacteria, which can cause illnesses like typhus and spotted fever, interact with ticks and fleas to find out what helps them infect people and avoid our immune system, so we can learn more about preventing and treating these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $279,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI179732-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with rickettsial infections or are at high risk of exposure to arthropod vectors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of rickettsial infections or are not exposed to arthropod vectors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between Rickettsia bacteria, which cause diseases like typhus and spotted fever, and their hosts and vectors such as ticks and fleas. By using transposon mutagenesis, the study aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to the bacteria's ability to infect and evade the immune system. This approach allows researchers to create and analyze mutant strains of Rickettsia to better understand their pathogenic mechanisms and transmission dynamics. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how these infections occur and how to better prevent or treat them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for rickettsial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial pathogenesis through genetic manipulation, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Hwan Keun — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Kim, Hwan Keun
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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.