Understanding Immune Responses to Bacterial Infections
Project 3: Negative regulation of type I interferons during bacterial infection
This project explores how our immune system's type I interferons respond to common bacterial infections like tuberculosis, aiming to find better ways to help our bodies fight them off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135565 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people get sick from bacterial infections, and sometimes our immune system's response, specifically something called type I interferons, can actually make things worse instead of better. This project explores why these interferons might hinder our ability to fight off bacteria like those causing tuberculosis, Listeria, and Legionella. We are also looking for natural ways our bodies control these interferons to prevent them from causing harm during an infection. By understanding these processes, we hope to uncover new strategies to improve how our bodies handle these challenging infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with severe bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Listeria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Legionella pneumophila, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those whose conditions are unrelated to the specific immune pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the body fight off serious bacterial infections more effectively by fine-tuning the immune response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has shown that type I interferons can worsen bacterial infections, providing a foundation for this deeper exploration.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vance, Russell E — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Vance, Russell E
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.