Understanding how severe infections cause sepsis
PROJECT 2 - Mechanisms of Hypervirulence in the Pathogenesis of Sepsis
This project explores how certain bacteria become more dangerous and how the body's response to infection can worsen sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sepsis is a very serious condition where the body's response to an infection harms its own tissues and organs. This project aims to understand why some bacterial infections become extremely dangerous, leading to a rapid worsening of sepsis. We are looking at how certain bacteria become 'hypervirulent' and how changes in the body's own proteins, called glycoproteins, affect blood clotting and inflammation during sepsis. By studying these complex interactions, especially with highly virulent Salmonella bacteria, we hope to uncover the specific ways infections can quickly become life-threatening.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future treatments developed from this work could benefit individuals with severe infections or those at high risk of developing sepsis.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to bacterial hypervirulence or host glycoprotein remodeling in sepsis may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successfully understanding these mechanisms could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating the severe complications of sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that host responses to sepsis involve changes in blood glycoproteins, and they have identified highly virulent bacterial strains, providing a strong foundation for this project.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahan, Michael J — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Mahan, Michael J
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.