Understanding Peritoneal Macrophages in Bacterial Peritonitis
Role of Peritoneal Macrophage in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
This research explores how certain immune cells in the abdomen, called peritoneal macrophages, contribute to a serious infection called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in people with liver cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11113961 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a dangerous infection that often affects individuals with liver cirrhosis, and current antibiotic treatments are becoming less effective. Our goal is to better understand the underlying causes of SBP to find new ways to manage it. We are focusing on peritoneal macrophages, which are key immune cells in the abdomen that usually fight off bacteria. We want to learn if these cells change in people with cirrhosis and how that impacts their ability to protect against infection, which could lead to new treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with liver cirrhosis who are at risk for or have experienced spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Not a fit: Patients without liver cirrhosis or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, especially as current antibiotic therapies face challenges from drug-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: The specific role of peritoneal macrophages in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis has been poorly understood, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saito, Takeshi — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Saito, Takeshi
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.