Antibody therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Monoclonal Antibody to Combat Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Researchers are developing an antibody medicine aimed at helping people with hard-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, especially those in hospitals or with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is creating a monoclonal antibody that targets a common P. aeruginosa protein called EF-Tu, which can be exposed on the bacterial surface. The team has shown the approach offers protection in mice and is optimizing antibodies that help clear lung infections. Work includes making antibodies, measuring how well they bind the bacteria, and testing their ability to reduce infection in animal models. If lab results stay promising, the researchers plan steps toward safety testing needed before human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections—such as hospital-acquired pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis—would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People without P. aeruginosa infections or with infections caused by other bacteria are unlikely to benefit from this antibody approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could become a new treatment to help clear antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa infections and reduce deaths from hospital-acquired pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody therapies for bacterial infections have had mixed clinical success, and targeting EF-Tu is a newer strategy supported so far mainly by encouraging mouse data.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Joanna B — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Joanna B
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 below.