A new treatment approach for drug-resistant bacterial infections
Official title: A Novel Broad-Spectrum Nanoimmunotherapeutic Approach for Combating Multidrug Resistant Bacteria
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11028618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using tiny particles coated with red blood cells to help your immune system fight tough bacterial infections that don't respond to regular antibiotics, especially those caused by ESKAPE germs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 13, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,634 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI187821-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11028618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving ESKAPE pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel nanoimmunotherapy to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, particularly those caused by ESKAPE pathogens. The approach utilizes red blood cell membrane-coated nanoparticles that enhance the immune response against these bacteria by sensitizing them to oxidative killing and boosting neutrophil activity. The research aims to create a broad-spectrum treatment that can effectively target and eliminate antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics. Preliminary studies in mouse models have shown promising results, indicating the potential effectiveness of this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar non-antibiotic approaches to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gong, Shaoqin - — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gong, Shaoqin -
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.