Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded The Ohio State University $670,881 under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to conduct a five-year project (April 1, 2026–March 31, 2031) investigating mechanisms of bacterial infection and host-pathogen interactions. The research focuses on how Anaplasma phagocytophilum (APH), the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis—a serious tick-borne infectious disease—hijacks the host cell's endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi transport machinery to facilitate intracellular replication and infection. The project will elucidate how a bacterial Type IV secretion system effector protein redirects host ER-Golgi exit site machinery to bacterial inclusions and alleviates ER stress, with findings intended to inform the development of therapeutic and prophylactic interventions against this emerging infectious disease.

The research deliverables include scientific investigations structured across multiple aims to test hypotheses regarding bacterial manipulation of host cell nutrient transport and protein trafficking pathways. As a fundamental research initiative supported by NIAID, the project will generate peer-reviewed publications, experimental data, and mechanistic insights into how intracellular pathogens exploit host cellular transport systems—knowledge essential to advancing understanding of infectious disease pathogenesis and identifying potential drug targets for treating tick-borne infections.