Understanding how the immune system fights Legionella pneumophila infections
Official title: Effector-triggered immunity against Legionella pneumophila in dendritic cells
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of your immune system helps fight off a germ that can cause serious pneumonia, especially in people with autoimmune diseases who might be more vulnerable to infections, and it aims to find new ways to boost that immune defense.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI172178-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases who are receiving TNF-blocking therapies and are at increased risk for bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on immunosuppressive therapies or those without autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system, particularly through a signaling molecule called TNF, helps defend against infections caused by Legionella pneumophila, which can lead to severe pneumonia. The study focuses on the role of dendritic cells, a type of immune cell, in responding to this bacterium and how TNF signaling can trigger a protective immune response. By examining these mechanisms, the researchers aim to develop new treatments that enhance immune defense in individuals who are at higher risk of infection due to immunosuppressive therapies. This research is particularly relevant for patients with autoimmune diseases who may be more susceptible to such infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve immune responses in patients at risk for Legionella infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shin, Sunny — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Shin, Sunny
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.