Understanding Severe Eye Infections
Pathogenesis of Bacterial Keratitis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11093510
This research explores how a common bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causes severe eye infections that can lead to blindness, and how our body's immune system tries to fight it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11093510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that can cause serious eye infections, sometimes leading to blindness, as seen in recent outbreaks. This work looks at how this bacteria injects harmful substances into our eye cells, making the infection worse. We are learning how a key part of our immune system, called the NLRP3 inflammasome, helps fight these bacteria in the eye, especially in immune cells called neutrophils. Understanding these processes could help us find new ways to treat or prevent these severe eye infections, potentially using medications that boost our natural defenses. The goal is to uncover the exact steps of infection and immune response to develop better treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from severe bacterial corneal infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients will not directly participate in or receive immediate benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat or prevent severe bacterial eye infections, particularly those resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work supported by this grant has already shown important findings about how this bacteria causes infection and how the immune system responds.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PEARLMAN, ERIC — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: PEARLMAN, ERIC
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.