Dr. Xintong Dong has been granted $2,804,716 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her research centered on Genetic Dissection of Defensin Signaling in Urinary Tract Infections. This grant will support Dr. Xintong Dong’s innovative investigation into the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), specifically defensins, in immune responses and pain during UTIs, a common and often challenging condition, particularly for elderly women.

The aim of this project is to investigate the functions of defensins in the urinary system, particularly their role in defending against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and their potential contribution to UTI-related pelvic pain. Dr. Xintong Dong will use a novel Defensin cluster knockout (Def cKO) mouse model to study the immune interactions in the bladder and to identify how defensins influence immune cell signaling and bacterial resistance. Additionally, the project will explore how defensins may activate sensory neurons and contribute to the painful symptoms of UTIs.

By applying cutting-edge techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing and behavioral pain assessments, Dr. Xintong Dong aims to provide new insights into how defensins function in UTI immunity and pain. The results of this research could lead to more efficient treatments for UTIs, offering a targeted approach to enhancing immune responses while reducing the painful side effects of the infection. This project is a significant contribution to both immunology and pain management research.