Developing a vaccine to prevent C. difficile infections
Official title: Project 1: Mucosal toxin subunit immunization as a strategy for C. difficile vaccine development
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11044220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | March 3, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $419,638 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lacy, Dana Borden — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lacy, Dana Borden
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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.