# Susceptibility determinants to Legionella pneumophila infection in smokers

> **NIH NIH R21** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $195,000

## Abstract

Susceptibility determinants to Legionella pneumophila infection in smokers
Abstract
Legionella accounts for majority of drinking water-associated pneumonia outbreaks with high percentage of
death. Legionella infection presents with a higher risk and worse outcome in the elderly, immune-compromised
and smokers. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a strong association between tobacco
smoking and an elevated risk of Legionella infection. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. To
determine the mechanism by which smoking predisposes to Legionella infection, we will perform the following
aims:
Aim 1. Determine the methylomic and RNAseq profile of human alveolar macrophages from current smokers
(>10 pack years) and non-smokers. Aim 2. Determine the function of genes with altered methylation and
expression and identify those responsible for the increased susceptibility of macrophages to Legionella
infection.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10374758
- **Project number:** 5R21AI156379-02
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Amal O Amer
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $195,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-03-18 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10374758

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10374758, Susceptibility determinants to Legionella pneumophila infection in smokers (5R21AI156379-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10374758. Licensed CC0.

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