Study of How Human Immune Cells Interact With Bacterial Germs to Understand Disease and Inflammation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how human phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, interact with bacterial pathogens. These immune cells kill many bacteria through processes involving reactive oxygen species and antimicrobial peptides. However, some bacteria have developed ways to avoid or disrupt these immune responses, leading to serious infections. This research aims to understand the specific mechanisms bacteria use to evade immune defenses and how phagocytes respond to different pathogens, which may help explain disease and inflammation. The study involves analyzing these interactions using advanced techniques like genomics and proteomics to identify bacterial genes and proteins involved. Researchers will examine phagocyte-pathogen interactions with real-time fluorescence assays, video microscopy, confocal and electron microscopy, and biochemical tests. Blood samples will be taken from healthy adult volunteers to isolate phagocytic leukocytes for these experiments. Participants will provide blood and tissue samples for analysis and storage for future research. The study will assess immune cell responses and bacterial evasion methods using various laboratory methods including enzymatic assays for reactive oxygen species production. The goal is to gain new insights into host-pathogen interactions and the underlying causes of inflammatory diseases. Participation involves healthy adults donating blood, with eligibility determined by health screening and medical history.

Molecular Basis of Human Phagocyte Interactions With Bacterial Pathogens