Development of antibodies to prevent disseminating Klebsiella pneumoniae infections
Official title: Development of monoclonal antibodies against disseminating Klebsiella pneumoniae
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11440738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly proposal to create antibodies that could help prevent dangerous bloodstream infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $198,798 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203157-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at high risk for healthcare-associated K. pneumoniae infections, such as immunocompromised patients and those with GI colonization by Kpn.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without gut colonization or those not at risk for disseminated Kpn infections may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how antibodies produced in response to gut K. pneumoniae can protect the body from serious infections that spread through the blood. Researchers use mouse models to study how the immune system clears bacteria and whether specific antibodies can prevent lethal spread. The goal is to develop monoclonal antibodies that could be used as a preventive treatment or therapy for people at high risk of these infections. If successful, this work could lead to new options to reduce death and complications from antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antibody-based strategies to prevent or treat severe K. pneumoniae infections, potentially reducing mortality and antibiotic resistance challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Existing studies in mice suggest antibodies can protect against systemic Kpn infection, supporting the potential for human translation but human data are still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haas, Karen M — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Haas, Karen M
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.