Developing an mRNA vaccine to protect against C. difficile infections
Official title: Core A: Administrative
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11037944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new mRNA vaccine to help prevent infections from Clostridioides difficile, which can cause serious stomach problems, and it aims to find ways to make this vaccine effective for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,993 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174998-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for C. difficile infections, such as those with recent antibiotic use or underlying health conditions.
✕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 an mRNA vaccine platform aimed at preventing infections caused by Clostridioides difficile. The project involves a collaborative team that will generate and test modified mRNA vaccines while also exploring the diversity of C. difficile strains and the immune response to natural infections. Patients may benefit from the development of a vaccine that could significantly reduce the incidence of C. difficile infections, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues. The research includes collecting samples from a patient cohort to better understand the disease and vaccine efficacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the risk of C. difficile infections in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing mRNA vaccines for various infectious diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weissman, Drew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Weissman, Drew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.