Understanding how toxins enter host cells
Official title: Proline residues are a key determinant for toxin entry into the host cytosol
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-10906115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacterial toxins, like those that cause whooping cough and cholera, sneak into our cells, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these germs work so we can find better ways to fight them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,326 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI172773-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of infections caused by Bordetella pertussis or similar bacterial pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by or at risk for infections caused by these specific bacterial toxins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain bacterial toxins, specifically pertussis and cholera toxins, enter human cells. It focuses on the role of proline residues in the toxins that facilitate their interaction with cellular chaperones, which are proteins that assist in the proper folding and transport of other proteins. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover how these toxins are able to bypass cellular defenses and enter the cytosol, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The methodology includes biochemical assays and cellular models to analyze the binding and translocation processes of these toxins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or mitigate the effects of bacterial infections caused by these toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding toxin entry mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teter, Kenneth R — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Teter, Kenneth R
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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.