NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how tiny vesicles affect inflammation during pneumonic plague

Official title: Defining the impact of Extracellular Vesicles on inflammation during pneumonic plague

Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10983732 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at tiny particles called extracellular vesicles that help immune cells talk to each other during pneumonic plague, a serious infection, to find out how they can either help or hinder the body's response, which could lead to better ways to boost our immune defenses against infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Louisville
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Louisville, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$35,848
NIH project number5F31AI178999-02
Project IDNIH-10983732 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or currently experiencing severe bacterial infections, particularly pneumonic plague.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-bacterial infections or those who do not have a compromised immune response may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the immune response during pneumonic plague, a severe bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. By examining how these vesicles facilitate communication between immune cells, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that either promote or suppress inflammation. The research will involve analyzing the biochemical properties of EVs and their impact on the immune system's ability to respond to the infection. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to enhance immune responses against bacterial infections.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving immune responses in patients suffering from severe bacterial infections.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses through the study of extracellular vesicles, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Louisville
    Louisville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sheneman, Katelyn Renee — University of Louisville
  • Study coordinator: Sheneman, Katelyn Renee

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.