Understanding how the bladder protects against urinary tract infections

Urothelial IL-6 Signaling in the Host Defense Against Urinary Tract Infections

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-10886954

This study is looking at how a part of your bladder helps fight off urinary tract infections (UTIs) and how a specific protein called IL-6 can help clear out harmful bacteria, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent and treat UTIs, especially as antibiotics become less effective.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10886954 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the bladder lining in defending against urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly focusing on the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). The study aims to uncover how IL-6 activates specific pathways that help clear harmful bacteria like E. coli from the urinary tract. By exploring the mechanisms of innate immunity within the urothelium, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating UTIs, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to alternative treatments beyond traditional antibiotics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults who experience recurrent urinary tract infections.

Not a fit: Patients with UTIs caused by non-uropathogenic bacteria or those who do not respond to IL-6 mediated pathways may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for urinary tract infections that do not rely on antibiotics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing innate immune responses for treating infections, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Bacterial Infections, bacteria infection, bacterial disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.