Developing vaccines to prevent C. difficile infections using mouse models.
Official title: CORE 4- Small Animal Core
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11044219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new vaccine options to help prevent C. difficile infections by testing different vaccine ingredients in mice, with the hope that these findings will lead to better vaccines for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | March 3, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,974 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at high 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 benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on testing candidate vaccine antigens in mouse models to find effective ways to prevent C. difficile infections. The Small Animal Core, led by Dr. Eric Skaar, will utilize advanced techniques and expertise in murine models to evaluate the efficacy of these antigens. The project aims to identify promising candidates that could lead to the development of novel vaccines. By leveraging the knowledge of veterinary pathology and in vivo modeling, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of how to combat this infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines that prevent C. difficile infections, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using murine models to develop vaccines for various infections, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skaar, Eric P — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Skaar, Eric P
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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.