Developing a vaccine to protect against syphilis infection
University of Washington (UW) Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Cooperative Research Center (CRC) - Syphilis Vaccine to Protect against Local and Disseminated T. pallidum Infection
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from syphilis by targeting the bacteria that causes it, especially since more people are getting syphilis these days.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10772345 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to create a vaccine that offers protection against T. pallidum, the bacteria responsible for syphilis. The team at the University of Washington is focusing on refining specific proteins that are crucial for the bacteria's ability to spread in the body. By optimizing these proteins and their delivery methods, the researchers hope to enhance the immune response and prevent syphilis infections. This project is particularly important given the rising rates of syphilis globally, especially among certain populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of syphilis infection, including sexually active adults and pregnant women.
Not a fit: Patients who are already infected with syphilis or those who do not engage in behaviors that put them at risk for syphilis 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 syphilis infections worldwide.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various attempts to develop vaccines for sexually transmitted infections, this specific approach targeting T. pallidum is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wald, Anna — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Wald, Anna
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.