Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus manipulates host cells
Official title: The Molecular Basis of Staphylococcus aureus SplB manipulation of the host
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11102807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, uses certain proteins to affect our body's cells during an infection, and it's aimed at helping researchers find new ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 2, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189606-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11102807 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are infected with Staphylococcus aureus or are at high risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with Staphylococcus aureus or do not have a history of related infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus uses specific proteins, known as serine proteases-like (SplA-F), to manipulate host cell functions during infection. The team will explore the unique mechanisms of these proteins, particularly focusing on SplB, which is highly expressed in the bacteria. Using advanced techniques like NMR, they aim to identify how SplB interacts with host proteins and the conformational changes that activate its function. This could lead to a better understanding of bacterial infections and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent Staphylococcus aureus from evading the immune system and causing infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of Spl proteins are being explored in this research, similar studies on bacterial virulence factors have shown promise in understanding and treating infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenmesser, Elan Z — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Eisenmesser, Elan Z
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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.