Understanding how Salmonella bacteria manipulate immune responses during infection
Official title: The Molecular Mechanism and Pathophysiology of Robust STAT3 Signaling During Oral Salmonella Typhimurium Infection
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11019700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a germ called Salmonella Typhimurium tricks our immune system to survive longer during an infection, focusing on a special protein that helps it do this, and the findings could help people who get sick from this bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,327 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI176719-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals experiencing acute gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella Typhimurium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens or those without gastrointestinal symptoms may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Salmonella Typhimurium, a common cause of gastroenteritis, affects the immune system during infection. It focuses on a specific protein, SarA, that the bacteria use to enhance their survival by prolonging the activation of a signaling pathway called STAT3 in host cells. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover how this manipulation leads to anti-inflammatory responses, which could help the bacteria evade the immune system. Patients with infections caused by Salmonella may benefit from insights gained through this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response against Salmonella infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial manipulation of host immune responses can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaggioli, Margaret Ryan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Gaggioli, Margaret Ryan
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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.