Developing a vaccine to prevent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections
Official title: Live attenuated non-transmissible (LANT) Klebsiella pneumoniae vaccines
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10846834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of vaccine to help protect people, especially those who are more vulnerable, from serious infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, like pneumonia and sepsis, by using a safe version of the bacteria that won't spread to others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173755-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are hospitalized, immunosuppressed, or chronically ill patients who are at high risk for Klebsiella pneumoniae infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are healthy and have a robust immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a live attenuated vaccine for Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause severe infections like pneumonia and sepsis, particularly in vulnerable patients. The approach involves genetically engineering a vaccine that is safe and non-transmissible, which means it won't spread from vaccinated individuals. The goal is to stimulate the immune system to provide protection against infections without the risks associated with traditional vaccines. The research will assess the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine in pre-clinical models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, leading to fewer hospitalizations and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines for bacterial infections, but this specific approach with non-transmissible live attenuated vaccines is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baliban, Scott M. — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Baliban, Scott M.
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.