# Role of type III interferons in Staphylococcus aureus respiratory tract infection

> **NIH NIH R01** · RBHS-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $496,961

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen of the respiratory tract and influenza
co-infection is a major predisposing factor for subsequent infection. Colonization of the
upper respiratory tract is also a significant factor in infection, with aspirated organisms
reaching the lung and leading to host immunopathology. The host processes involved in
S. aureus colonization and subsequent dissemination to the lung are not well
understood, but we have identified two pathways that are activated upon S. aureus
infection, the type I and type III IFN pathways. Type I and III IFN signaling contribute to
the ability of S. aureus to colonize the nasopharynx during influenza co-infection as well
as during acute pneumonia where they contribute to excessive immunopathology. In Aim
1 we will investigate mechanisms behind IFNs increasing susceptibility to S. aureus
colonization during influenza co-infection. This aim will utilize an in vivo co-infection
model of colonization examining: IFNs changing the cytokine response, antimicrobial
peptide changes of the microbiome and the role of sialic acid and influenza
neuraminidase in biofilm formation and colonization. In Aim 2 we will examine the
consequences of respiratory epithelial IFN activation to S. aureus, examining changes in
cytokines and their influence of macrophages and neutrophil function. We will also
examine the utility of IFN antibody neutralization in clearing infection and in concert with
current antimicrobials. At the conclusion of these studies, we will have expanded our
knowledge on how IFNs contribute to the pathogenesis of S. aureus colonization and
pneumonia, and will have identified targetable mechanisms for therapeutic amelioration
of host immunopathology due to IFN production.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9964898
- **Project number:** 5R01HL134870-04
- **Recipient organization:** RBHS-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Dane Parker
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $496,961
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9964898

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9964898, Role of type III interferons in Staphylococcus aureus respiratory tract infection (5R01HL134870-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9964898. Licensed CC0.

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