Developing vaccines to prevent Clostridioides difficile infections
Official title: Vanderbilt Antibody and Antigen Discovery for Clostridioides difficile Vaccines
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11044213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on developing better vaccines to help protect people, especially those in hospitals, from Clostridioides difficile infections by finding the best parts of the bacteria to help your immune system fight it off.
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) | $1,570,047 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who are at risk of Clostridioides difficile infections, particularly those with a history of antibiotic use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Clostridioides difficile infections, such as those with no history of antibiotic use or gastrointestinal issues, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating effective vaccines against Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium that causes severe gastrointestinal infections, particularly in hospital settings. The approach involves identifying specific proteins and toxins produced by the bacteria that can trigger a strong immune response. By studying the genetic makeup of the bacteria, researchers aim to find stable targets for the immune system, which could lead to better vaccine formulations. The goal is to enhance the body's ability to prevent infection and reduce the severity of symptoms through improved immunization strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence and severity of Clostridioides difficile infections in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lacy, Dana Borden — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lacy, Dana Borden
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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.