Developing a vaccine to combat antibiotic-resistant E. coli infections

ExPEC Vaccine Development

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11125016

This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from serious infections caused by a harmful type of E. coli that can lead to antibiotic resistance, and it aims to find a way to keep you safe from these infections in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11125016 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a vaccine to protect against extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), a major cause of antibiotic resistance and related mortality. By analyzing over 20,000 strains of this bacterium, researchers have identified key virulence factors that could be targeted for vaccine development. The project will involve pre-clinical studies to test the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing various types of ExPEC infections, optimizing vaccine parameters, and exploring innovative adjuvants to enhance immune response. Patients may benefit from a new preventive measure against serious infections caused by this dangerous pathogen.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for infections caused by E. coli or those who do not have underlying health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of life-threatening infections caused by antibiotic-resistant E. coli.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.