Developing a new vaccine to prevent infections in joint replacements
Official title: Biomaterials-based Immunoengineering for Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11117156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of vaccine designed to help prevent infections that can happen after joint replacement surgeries, using a special material that helps boost your immune system against a common germ called Staphylococcus aureus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,399 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI180362-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing or considering joint replacement surgery who are at risk for periprosthetic joint infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already experienced severe complications from joint infections or those who are not candidates for joint replacement surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel vaccine platform to prevent periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), which can occur after joint replacement surgeries. The approach involves using a biodegradable scaffold that releases immune-boosting substances and contains specific antigens to stimulate the body's immune response against Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of these infections. By recruiting immune cells and enhancing their activity, the goal is to provide better protection against infections that can lead to severe complications. The research will utilize animal models to test the effectiveness of this biomaterials-based vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of infections following joint replacement surgeries, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomaterials for vaccine delivery, but this specific approach to preventing PJI is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tatara, Alexander Mitchell — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tatara, Alexander Mitchell
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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.