Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Pittsburgh received a $412,942 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded February 5, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2028. This developmental research initiative investigates the regulatory mechanisms by which host-derived environmental signals in the gastrointestinal tract control hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HVKP) virulence gene expression and capsule production during intestinal colonization and systemic dissemination. The research employs RNA sequencing and genetic approaches to identify how gastrointestinal environmental cues coordinate pathogen gene expression and affect virulence-associated phenotypes and host-pathogen interactions.

The grant supports fundamental research addressing a critical gap in understanding HVKP pathogenesis, with the ultimate objective of revealing novel therapeutic strategies against multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains. By elucidating host-responsive pathways that orchestrate bacterial colonization and virulence progression, the research will generate foundational knowledge to support mechanistic studies and develop prevention and treatment approaches for life-threatening infections caused by this emerging pathogenic threat. The work is conducted at the University of Pittsburgh's Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania campus.