Antibiotics, Campylobacter, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Understanding Triggered Immunity
Official title: Antibiotic-Driven Campylobacter Immunogenicity and Microbiome Dysbiosis in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11436090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly look at how certain antibiotics might unexpectedly raise the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome in people exposed to Campylobacter bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202577-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome or Campylobacter infection who may be affected by antibiotic treatment.
✕Less likely to help
People not exposed to Campylobacter or not receiving antibiotics relevant to this research may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how standard antibiotic treatment could unintentionally boost the immune reaction that leads to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). It focuses on Campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial trigger for GBS, and how antibiotics may increase a key bacterial marker called LOS that can drive nerve damage. The study uses lab experiments and analyses of patient data to understand the relationship between antibiotic use, bacterial changes, and immune responses. The goal is to generate evidence that could inform safer treatment choices and help prevent GBS in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to safer antibiotic guidelines and better prevention of GBS for people infected with Campylobacter.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies have shown associations between antibiotics, bacterial changes, and GBS, but this project advances mechanistic understanding in a focused way.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeon, Byeonghwa — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Jeon, Byeonghwa
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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.