Bacteriophages versus intracellular nontuberculous mycobacteria in lung cells
Official title: Bacteriophage interactions with nontuberculous mycobacteria in the intracellular environment of mammalian cells
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11439724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests whether viruses that infect bacteria (phages) can reach and kill drug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus inside human lung cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $423,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202189-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections, especially those with Mycobacterium abscessus.
✕Less likely to help
People without NTM lung infections or those not affected by intracellular bacterial persistence may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how bacteriophages interact with intracellular M. abscessus living inside mammalian cells, using models that mimic the lung environment. They will examine whether phages can enter cells, infect the bacteria, and reduce bacterial load, aiming to improve options beyond traditional antibiotics. The work focuses on optimizing phage therapy for intracellular infections in people with chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis or COPD. Findings could guide future compassionate-use treatments and clinical development for hard-to-treat NTM lung infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new phage-based therapies for drug-resistant lung infections.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows phages can enter mammalian cells and kill intracellular bacteria, but results are variable and more work is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Braunstein, Miriam S. — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Braunstein, Miriam S.
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.