Understanding how Rickettsia parkeri interacts with the immune system
Official title: Deciphering innate and adaptive immune responses to Rickettsia parkeri
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11130474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria that can be spread by ticks manages to hide from our immune system and how it can actually help our body build a defense against it, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent and treat infections caused by these bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $745,295 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI185119-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130474 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with or are at risk for infections caused by Rickettsia species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens unrelated to Rickettsia species may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the tick-borne bacteria Rickettsia parkeri evade the body's immune responses and how they trigger adaptive immunity. By studying the interactions between these bacteria and immune cells, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to effective vaccines and treatments. The approach includes genetic screening to identify bacterial factors that help them survive within immune cells, focusing on specific components like O-antigen and outer membrane proteins. This work is crucial for developing strategies to prevent and treat infections caused by Rickettsia species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines and therapies for infections caused by Rickettsia species.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to similar pathogens, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Thomas P — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Burke, Thomas P
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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.