Developing a vaccine to prevent gonorrhea
Novel vaccine antigens against N. gonorrhoeae
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect against gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection, by finding parts of the bacteria that can trigger a strong immune response, especially as treatments are becoming less effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10700802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection. The study aims to identify new vaccine antigens by analyzing the genes expressed by the bacteria during natural infections. Using advanced bioinformatics, researchers will select candidate antigens based on their potential to provoke an immune response and their presence on the bacterial surface. The goal is to develop a safe and effective vaccine that can combat the rising antibiotic resistance seen in gonorrhea treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of gonorrhea infection, including sexually active adults and adolescents.
Not a fit: Patients who are not sexually active or those who have already been diagnosed with gonorrhea 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 gonorrhea and its associated complications.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been challenges in developing a gonorrhea vaccine, similar approaches targeting other bacterial infections have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Massari, Paola — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Massari, Paola
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.