Understanding how Salmonella bacteria survive in immune cells
Official title: The Dynamics of DNA in Salmonella Persisters in Macrophages
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11063103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tough type of Salmonella bacteria can hide out in immune cells and survive even when antibiotics are used, with the goal of finding new ways to fight these stubborn infections and improve treatments for everyone affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,856 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI176589-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from persistent bacterial infections that are resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute bacterial infections that respond well to conventional antibiotic therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Salmonella bacteria can persist within immune cells called macrophages, even when antibiotics are used. It focuses on a specific group of these bacteria, known as persisters, which can survive attacks from both antibiotics and the immune system. The study aims to understand the unique ways these persisters replicate their DNA and repair damage, which may help them survive longer. By exploring these mechanisms, the research hopes to uncover new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment outcomes for bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively target and eliminate antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sargen, Molly Renee — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Sargen, Molly Renee
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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.