Developing an mRNA vaccine to protect against C. difficile infections
Core A: Administrative
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 ID | NIH-11037944 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for C. difficile infections, such as those with recent antibiotic use or underlying health conditions.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weissman, Drew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Weissman, Drew
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.