Bacterial cell-wall pieces and lingering Lyme symptoms
Defining the host and pathogen determinants of peptidoglycan induced pathophysiology in Lyme disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11169005
This project tests whether unique fragments of the Lyme bacterium's cell wall cause ongoing joint and nerve symptoms in people who had Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169005 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You'll hear researchers focus on tiny pieces of the Lyme bacterium's cell wall (peptidoglycan) to learn how long they stay in the body and which tissues they reach. They will check joint fluid and other patient samples for these fragments and determine their chemical makeup. In parallel, they will track the same fragments in animals and test whether those fragments trigger joint inflammation. Together these steps aim to connect persistent bacterial fragments with ongoing symptoms after antibiotic treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who previously had Lyme disease and still have joint, heart, or neurological symptoms after antibiotic treatment, especially those willing to provide blood or joint fluid samples, would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: People with Lyme who are fully recovered, have unrelated causes for their symptoms, or need immediate clinical treatment rather than research participation are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new tests to detect lingering bacterial fragments and new treatments to remove or block their effects, reducing chronic Lyme symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work showed Lyme peptidoglycan in patients' joint fluid and caused arthritis in mice, but the chemical uniqueness of these fragments and their role in persistent symptoms is a newer and less tested area.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JUTRAS, BRANDON LYON — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JUTRAS, BRANDON LYON
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.