Infection
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Study reveals new genetic disorder that causes susceptibility to opportunistic infections
An international consortium co-led by Vanderbilt's Rubén Martínez-Barricarte has discovered a new genetic disorder that causes immunodeficiency and profound susceptibility to opportunistic infections including a life-threatening fungal pneumonia. Read MoreJan 20, 2023
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Transporter’s role in gut barrier
A disease-associated mutation in a transporter protein impairs gut barrier function, leading to gastrointestinal disease and chronic infections. Read MoreApr 21, 2020
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Imaging host-pathogen battle for metal
An unprecedented view of bacterial products within infected tissues opens new opportunities to explore infection biology and devise novel therapeutic strategies. Read MoreOct 31, 2019
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Putting the brakes on sepsis
An enzyme called PTEN reduces inflammatory signaling and mortality in sepsis, suggesting it may be a good therapeutic target for this life-threatening complication of infection. Read MoreMay 9, 2018
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Lighting up iron levels
A new probe enables iron imaging in living animals, providing a unique tool for studying iron’s contributions to health and disease. Read MoreJan 11, 2018
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Excess dietary manganese increases risk of staph infection in heart
Too much dietary manganese — an essential trace mineral found in leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts — promotes infection of the heart by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”). Read MoreSep 21, 2017
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Predicting the infection response
Vanderbilt investigators are probing the response to a bacterial toxin as a clinical assessment of immune function. Read MoreApr 19, 2017
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Immune defenses in asthma
Vanderbilt researchers show that a certain factor negatively impacts the first-line responder cells in the lungs, providing one explanation for why patients with asthma are at greater risk for invasive bacterial disease. Read MoreApr 5, 2016
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Eye of a cytokine storm
A new animal model can be used to “dissect” the inflammatory response to infection. Read MoreMar 9, 2016
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Study links opioids, infection risk for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Use of opioid analgesics is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a Vanderbilt study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Read MoreNov 19, 2015
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Detect and defend against pathogens
Understanding factors, such as the receptor TLR9, that detect and defend against pathogens may lead to therapeutic approaches that promote an effective immune response to treat infections. Read MoreNov 4, 2015
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Study identifies C. diff toxin receptor, suggests new treatment approaches
Vanderbilt University investigators have identified a cellular receptor for a toxin from Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) — the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States. Read MoreJun 4, 2015
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Preventing early pregnancy complications
The enzyme alkaline phosphatase may provide a new therapeutic option for women at high risk of pregnancy complications due to bacterial toxin exposure. Read MoreMay 20, 2015
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Stuffed animals bring bacteria to OR
Stuffed animals that pediatric patients bring to the operating room are a reservoir of bacteria that can be effectively sterilized in a household washer/dryer the day before surgery. Read MoreApr 17, 2015
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Bacterial secretion machinery: 3-D view
New structural findings reveal how "gatekeeper" proteins participate in the secretion systems bacteria use to infect host cells. Read MoreDec 11, 2014
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Peptide quells “genomic storm”
A cell-penetrating peptide developed at Vanderbilt blocks the signaling pathways that lead to lethal shock caused by bacterial infection. Read MoreOct 28, 2014
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Defusing ‘C. diff’ infection
Clostridium difficile on the intestinal lining. (Wellcome Images) Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) infection is a leading cause of hospital-associated diarrhea, and the frequency and severity of infections are on the rise. D. Borden Lacy, Ph.D., associate professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and colleagues recently demonstrated that the C. Read MoreNov 8, 2013
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Wellcast: Stay healthy with tips to prevent infection
Hear a podcast in recognition of International Infection Prevention Week. Read MoreOct 18, 2013
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Pregnancy promoter and protector
Alkaline phosphatase enzymes appear to play roles in promoting pregnancy and in protecting the uterus from bacterial infection. Read MoreAug 23, 2013
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Factor reduces virus-related asthma attacks
An immune system factor associated with severe asthma may actually reduce asthma attacks induced by viral infections. Read MoreApr 26, 2013