Developing a vaccine to prevent C. difficile infections
Project 1: Mucosal toxin subunit immunization as a strategy for C. difficile vaccine development
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11044220
This study is working on a vaccine to help protect older adults and people who have taken antibiotics from Clostridioides difficile infections, which can cause serious stomach issues, by figuring out how certain parts of the bacteria can boost the body's immune response.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11044220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a vaccine against Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium that causes severe gastrointestinal infections, particularly in older adults and those who have taken antibiotics. The project aims to identify specific toxin components of the bacteria that can trigger strong immune responses in the body. By studying how these toxins interact with the immune system, the researchers hope to develop a vaccine that can effectively prevent infections and reduce recurrence rates. The approach includes both human and mouse studies to ensure robust immune responses are achieved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals who have recently been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and young adults at risk for C. difficile infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those who have already been vaccinated against it may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence and recurrence of C. difficile infections, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While previous attempts at developing a C. difficile vaccine have faced challenges, there have been promising indicators that suggest this new approach could yield better results.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LACY, DANA BORDEN — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: LACY, DANA BORDEN
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.