Blocking E. coli and Salmonella by targeting how they steal iron
Harnessing iron acquisition to hinder enterobacterial pathogenesis
Developing vaccines and antibiotic delivery methods that stop E. coli and Salmonella from taking up iron to help people with gut infections and related complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11477959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are trying to stop enteric bacteria from growing by targeting the small iron-carrying molecules (siderophores) the bugs use to steal iron. They plan to test vaccine approaches that trigger immune responses to those siderophores and to attach antibiotics to siderophore-like carriers so drugs enter the bacteria more effectively. These approaches will be tested in laboratory cultures and animal models that mimic gut inflammation and infections caused by E. coli (including AIEC linked to Crohn's disease) and non-typhoidal Salmonella. The work aims to reduce gut colonization and prevent bacterial spread that can lead to diarrhea, urinary infections, or bloodstream infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent E. coli infections, those with Crohn's disease where adherent-invasive E. coli is suspected, or individuals at high risk for Salmonella gut infections would be most relevant to these approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with viral or fungal infections, or bacterial illnesses not driven by iron-dependent enteric Gram-negative pathogens, are unlikely to benefit from these specific strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new vaccines or smarter antibiotic strategies that lower gut infections and complications such as sepsis or Crohn's-related bacterial overgrowth.
How similar studies have performed: Related siderophore-linked antibiotics have shown promise and led to approved drugs like the siderophore cephalosporin cefiderocol, while siderophore-targeting vaccines remain more novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raffatellu, Manuela — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Raffatellu, Manuela
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.