Understanding how viral infections and the immune system affect chronic bacterial lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis
Regulation of viral-bacterial co-infections by immunometabolism
['FUNDING_R01'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11177019
This research explores how viral infections and the body's immune response might make bacterial lung infections in people with Cystic Fibrosis harder to treat.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11177019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
For people with Cystic Fibrosis, lung infections from bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a major concern, often becoming resistant to antibiotics. We want to understand why these infections become chronic and form protective biofilms. Our work suggests that when a person with CF gets a viral infection, their body's immune response, specifically interferon, might accidentally help the bacteria become more persistent. We are looking into how these viral infections change the body's metabolism, which could be a key factor in how bacteria transition from acute to chronic infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Cystic Fibrosis who experience chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections or frequent respiratory viral infections are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Cystic Fibrosis or those who do not experience Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat chronic bacterial lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis by targeting the immune response or metabolic changes.
How similar studies have performed: While metabolic changes during viral infections are known, this specific connection between viral co-infection, interferon, metabolism, and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in CF appears to be a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
HANOVER, UNITED STATES
- DARTMOUTH COLLEGE — HANOVER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOMBERGER, JENNIFER MELINDA — DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: BOMBERGER, JENNIFER MELINDA
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 below.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections