Developing a new method to treat bacterial infections without antibiotics
Official title: A Synthetic Platform for Non-Antibiotic Eradication of Bacterial Infections
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10663838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to fight bacterial infections by using specially designed bacteria that can share harmful genes with the bad bacteria, which could help create faster and cheaper treatments than traditional antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,120,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1AI152073-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10663838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals suffering from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those who do not have bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a novel platform for treating bacterial infections by engineering bacteria to deliver toxic genes specifically targeting harmful pathogens. By utilizing a natural process known as bacterial sex, the project seeks to enable the transfer of these toxic genes from engineered bacteria to disease-causing bacteria, potentially overcoming the limitations of traditional antibiotics. The approach involves using the CRISPR/Cas system, which can be lethal to bacteria when directed against their own DNA. If successful, this method could lead to rapid and cost-effective development of new antimicrobial therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking alternative to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections, especially those that are resistant to current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using engineered bacteria is innovative, similar concepts have shown promise in vaccination strategies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herman, Christophe — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Herman, Christophe
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PACC1 in the body’s defense against bacterial infections and sepsis
A study exploring how a protein called PACC1 helps immune cells fight bacteria and prevent sepsis, with potential benefits for people at risk of severe infections.
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.