# The role of SLC11A1 in neutrophil antimicrobial response

> **NIH NIH F30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $38,182

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
For decades, NRAMP1 (for natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1, renamed SLC11A1 for
solute carrier protein family 11, member 1) has been characterized as a divalent cation/H+ antiporter in the
phagosomal membrane of macrophages that pumps iron and manganese out of the vacuole. This mechanism
contributes to nutritional immunity against intracellular pathogens by depleting the phagosomal environment of
essential metal cofactors. Mouse macrophages expressing mutant Slc11a1 are functionally compromised in
control of several intracellular pathogens, including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium).
Further, human polymorphisms in SLC11A1 are associated with susceptibility to both autoimmune and infectious
disease. However, until now the role of SLC11A1 has been assumed to be macrophage-specific.
 Remarkably, during studies on vitamin A deficiency, our lab has uncovered an unsuspected role for
SLC11A1 in control of systemic S. Typhimurium infection by neutrophils. Our preliminary results show that
increased susceptibility of vitamin A-deficient mice to disseminated S. Typhimurium infection is dependent on
synthesis of SLC11A1 by neutrophils, which challenges conventional wisdom that SLC11A1-dependent host
defenses are associated exclusively with macrophages. However, strong evidence for a role of SLC11A1 as
essential in neutrophil antimicrobial response is needed to establish this novel concept.
 Our central hypothesis is that SLC11A1 function promotes the bactericidal activity of neutrophils. The
objective of this application is to investigate the role of SLC11A1 in neutrophil control of S. Typhimurium infection.
To test our hypothesis, we will use a triangulated approach assessing neutrophil function and response to
infection by utilizing human neutrophils in cell culture, mouse neutrophils ex vivo and a systemic S. Typhimurium
infection in vivo mouse model. We are drawing on collaborative expertise to employ CRISPR for generation of a
SLC11A1-/- cell line and utilize the Cre-lox system to create a mouse strain that has a conditional knockout of
Slc11a1 only in neutrophils. Our rigorous studies of SLC11A1 in neutrophil response to infection will provide
fundamental knowledge in the fields of microbiology and immunology, thereby advancing biomedical research.
Further, this project will have broad implications for translation to improve human health, as polymorphisms in
SLC11A1 make certain patients more susceptible to disease.
 The integrated training plan outlined in this application will provide an in-depth research experience,
training in cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR, expertise from core facilities, and education from faculty in
the School of Veterinary Medicine, the School of Medicine, the College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences, and the College of Biological Sciences. Importantly, this plan embodies the structured dual-degree
mentorship at UC Davis with a supportive sponsor and la...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9851736
- **Project number:** 5F30AI143146-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Annica Stull-Lane
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $38,182
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-01-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9851736

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9851736, The role of SLC11A1 in neutrophil antimicrobial response (5F30AI143146-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9851736. Licensed CC0.

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