Discovering new viruses that can target antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Official title: Receptor-Guided Discovery of Environmental Phages
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11072959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to find special viruses that can attack harmful bacteria, especially those that don't respond to antibiotics, to help create new treatments for infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,118 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI178993-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by bacterial pathogens or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. The project aims to develop a new method to identify environmental phages based on their dependence on specific bacterial receptors. By using a co-culture technique, researchers will be able to visualize and select phages that can effectively target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This approach could lead to innovative therapies that harness these natural viruses to combat bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using bacteriophages as alternative treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rand, Eleanor — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Rand, Eleanor
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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.