Developing a vaccine to prevent syphilis using outer membrane proteins.
Official title: A Global Syphilis Vaccine Targeting Outer Membrane Proteins of Treponema pallidum
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11077819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help prevent syphilis by focusing on certain proteins from the bacteria that cause it, and if successful, it could offer protection for people at risk of this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,276,756 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI182179-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals at high risk for syphilis infection, such as those in certain geographic areas or with specific behavioral risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already infected with syphilis or those who do not have risk factors for syphilis may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a vaccine against syphilis by targeting specific proteins found in the outer membrane of the Treponema pallidum bacteria. The approach combines advanced techniques in bioinformatics and biophysics to identify and characterize these proteins, which are believed to be crucial for eliciting a protective immune response. The project will involve preclinical studies in animal models to test the effectiveness of the vaccine before moving to human trials. Patients may benefit from this research if the vaccine proves effective in preventing syphilis infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of syphilis and its associated health complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar bacterial outer membrane proteins, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moody, Michael Anthony — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Moody, Michael Anthony
Related research
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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.