Blocking the harmful toxin made by Group B strep
Neutralizing the GBS hemolytic lipid toxin
Researchers are testing harmless molecule mimics and antibodies to stop the toxin made by Group B Streptococcus so newborns and at-risk adults are protected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, the team is creating non-toxic mimic molecules that can block the GBS hemolytic lipid toxin and trying them in mouse infection models to see if they prevent damage. They will study how the immune system, including antibodies and B cell responses, helps provide protection after exposure to these mimics. The researchers will also look at how bacterial membrane vesicles make infections worse and whether antibodies can reduce that effect. Results are intended to guide new ways to prevent GBS infections in pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and others with weakened immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might benefit include pregnant people and their newborns, as well as older adults or people with diabetes or weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for GBS infection.
Not a fit: People without risk of Group B Strep exposure or those with infections caused by unrelated pathogens are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new preventive treatments or antibody-based approaches that reduce severe Group B Strep infections in newborns and vulnerable adults.
How similar studies have performed: Vaccines and antibody strategies against Group B Strep have shown promise, but using harmless lipid analogs to neutralize the toxin is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajagopal, Lakshmi — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rajagopal, Lakshmi
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.