# Human Cellular Immune Programming Against Invasive Salmonella

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · 2020 · $189,790

## Abstract

Project Summary
Invasive Salmonella disease, defined by the spread of Salmonella infection to sites distant from the
gastrointestinal mucosa, is responsible for over 800,000 deaths yearly. Antimicrobial resistance is increasing
against Salmonella infection, and there are no vaccines against invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS). The
proposed studies will evaluate how antigenic and phenotypic differences between different types of Salmonella,
specifically S. Typhi, the two predominant iNTS strains, and typical gastroenteritis producing non-typhoidal
Salmonella (NTS), impact human antigen presenting cell and T cell immune defense. The central hypothesis
of this K08 application is that differences between S. Typhi, iNTS, and typical NTS lead to the initiation of different
human cellular immune activation programs, which may potentially explain differences in clinical syndrome. In
Aim 1 the applicant will investigate how differences between invasive and noninvasive Salmonella influence the
regulation of two central cytokine pathways by human antigen presenting cells. In Aim 2, the applicant will study
properties of T cells elicited in human volunteers who were previously challenged with S. Typhi, for potential
cross-reactive T cell memory functions against iNTS. Aim 3 will involve analysis of differences in human
macrophage activation programs between the two predominant iNTS strains and typical NTS. Understanding
pathways of immune recognition, immune activation, and properties of T cell memory against invasive
Salmonella may help to guide rational vaccine design against this neglected infection.
 This K08 application details a comprehensive, integrated 5-year training period with the goal of building
from the applicant’s existing background in immunology and infectious diseases while developing new scientific
skills and leadership in human cellular immunology. The applicant’s central goal for K08 training is to launch a
career as an independent physician-scientist and leader in the immunology of neglected enteric infectious
diseases and vaccinology. The proposal summarizes a plan for robust mentorship and scientific training, as well
as foundational educational, professional, and career development activities. The K08 project will be conducted
at the University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development, an exceptional environment for research and
training in translational human immunology against Salmonella, and vaccinology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9989037
- **Project number:** 5K08AI143923-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- **Principal Investigator:** REKHA R RAPAKA
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $189,790
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-05 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9989037

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9989037, Human Cellular Immune Programming Against Invasive Salmonella (5K08AI143923-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9989037. Licensed CC0.

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