Understanding the Body's Defense Against Bacterial Infections
Official title: Cytosolic Immune Surveillance During Bacterial Infections
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11099763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how our immune system's internal alarm bells, called inflammasomes, detect and fight off bacterial invaders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2016 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI119015-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but future studies building on this knowledge may seek individuals with bacterial infections or related immune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing bacterial infections or related immune system dysfunctions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our bodies have a crucial defense system called inflammasomes that act like sensors, recognizing harmful bacteria and damaged cells during infections. When these sensors are triggered, they activate a powerful immune response to eliminate the threat. This project aims to uncover the specific ways certain proteins, called galectins, help control and fine-tune these inflammasome responses. By understanding these regulatory mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how our immune system protects us from bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to boost our natural defenses against bacterial infections and improve treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the general concept of inflammasomes is established, the specific regulatory roles of galectins in this context are a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rathinam, Vijay — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Rathinam, Vijay
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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.