Broad-spectrum nanoparticle immune therapy for drug-resistant infections
A Novel Broad-Spectrum Nanoimmunotherapeutic Approach for Combating Multidrug Resistant Bacteria
A new oxygen-filled nanoparticle treatment aims to help the immune system kill severe drug-resistant bacteria like carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in hospitalized patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing RHNP, a red blood cell membrane–coated, hemoglobin-filled nanoparticle saturated with oxygen that boosts the body's ability to kill bacteria. The nanoparticles both sensitize bacteria to oxidant-based killing and recruit neutrophils to increase their killing power. Researchers have shown strong results in mouse infection models and are working to extend the approach across several dangerous Gram-negative multidrug-resistant pathogens (including CRAB, CRKP, and MDR Pseudomonas). The goal is to create a broad-spectrum, non-antibiotic treatment option for severe hospital-acquired infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe hospital-acquired infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, or multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa—especially when antibiotics are ineffective—would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with mild infections, non-bacterial illnesses, or infections caused by antibiotic-sensitive bacteria are unlikely to benefit from this specific therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a non-antibiotic therapy that helps clear life-threatening drug-resistant infections when standard antibiotics fail.
How similar studies have performed: Related nanoparticle and immune-boosting approaches have shown promise in animal studies, but broad-spectrum nanoimmunotherapies for MDR ESKAPE pathogens remain largely unproven in people.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gong, Shaoqin - — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gong, Shaoqin -
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.