Engineered enzymes to break up pneumococcal biofilms and boost protection
Endolysins as tools to eradicate pneumococcal biofilms and development ofprotective immunity
Using engineered bacteriophage enzymes to break up stubborn Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) biofilms and help protect children and older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237108 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work develops and tests engineered proteins called endolysins that can cut through the protective biofilm layer pneumococcus makes, allowing bacteria to be killed more easily. In laboratory and animal experiments the team created a stronger endolysin called ClyX-1 that both kills free bacteria and disperses biofilms. They are also studying how breaking up colonization in the nose affects the development of specific antibodies and immune protection. The goal is to combine biofilm disruption with immune responses to reduce carriage and future infections in vulnerable groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people at higher risk for pneumococcal colonization or infection, such as young children and older adults or those with repeated respiratory infections.
Not a fit: People without pneumococcal colonization or those with infections caused by other bacteria are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that clear biofilms, improve antibiotic effectiveness, and help the body develop protective antibodies against pneumococcus.
How similar studies have performed: Related endolysin therapies have shown promising antibacterial and biofilm-clearing effects in lab and animal studies, but human testing to date has been limited.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Juarbe, Norberto — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Juarbe, Norberto
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.