Understanding how the bladder's immune system responds to urinary tract infections
Official title: Mucosal Immune Defense Mechanisms of the Urinary Bladder
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11004683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bladder's immune system reacts to repeated urinary tract infections caused by a specific bacteria, to help find new ways to prevent these infections in women and reduce the need for antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $619,518 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132327-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of urinary tract infections or those with other unrelated urinary conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune defense mechanisms of the urinary bladder, particularly in response to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic E. coli. It aims to understand how previous infections can alter the bladder's mucosal environment and immune response, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to future infections. By using mouse models, the study explores the long-term changes in bladder tissue and immune cell behavior following infection, which may help identify new strategies to prevent recurrent UTIs in women. The findings could lead to better management of UTIs and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs, reducing the need for antibiotics and combating antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to infections, but this specific approach to bladder immunity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colonna, Marco — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Colonna, Marco
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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.