Blocking how gonorrhea bacteria use hair-like pili to cause infection
Targeting the functions of the gonococcal Type IV pilus
Scientists are testing small molecules that stop gonorrhea bacteria from building or using hair-like pili to help prevent and treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168114 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses Type IV pili—tiny hair-like structures—to attach to body tissues and resist immune killing. The team will test related small chemicals that block a bacterial enzyme (Mpg) needed for pilus formation, study a newly discovered pilus-related protein called TfpC, and explore how a protein called HpaC changes bacterial survival against neutrophils. Methods include genetic changes to the bacteria, biochemical experiments, and lab tests of bacterial survival in immune cell conditions. Findings could point to new drug targets to stop colonization and make infections easier to clear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical testing would be people with gonorrhea or those at high risk for infection, particularly where antibiotic resistance is a concern.
Not a fit: People with unrelated health conditions or those needing immediate clinical care for severe complications are unlikely to directly benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent gonorrhea bacteria from colonizing and help treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting bacterial virulence factors like pili has shown promise in laboratory studies but remains largely unproven as a clinical treatment for gonorrhea.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seifert, Hank S. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Seifert, Hank 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 below.