Developing a new vaccine for C. difficile infections
Official title: Advancing a second generation C. difficile vaccine
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10892819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make C. difficile vaccines work better by understanding how our immune system responds and testing new vaccine options, all to help people who are at risk of serious intestinal infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,315,168 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174994-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for C. difficile infections, such as those with recent antibiotic use or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those who have already been vaccinated with existing vaccines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines against C. difficile, a bacterium that causes severe intestinal infections. The team will investigate why current vaccines provide limited protection and explore the human immune response, particularly focusing on memory B cells. By conducting a series of experiments, they will test new vaccine candidates designed to improve immune responses and provide better protection against the pathogen. The research will also establish a center of excellence for C. difficile studies, integrating various scientific approaches to tackle this health challenge.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence and severity of C. difficile infections in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in C. difficile prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lang, Mark L — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lang, Mark L
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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.