Exploring how bacteria resist viruses to improve treatments for infections

Genetic and Proteomic Approaches to Reveal Bacterial Vulnerabilities to Phage Predation

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11078760

This study is looking at how bacteria protect themselves from viruses that can kill them, and it's for anyone interested in finding new ways to treat infections that don't respond to antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078760 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the ways bacteria defend themselves against bacteriophages, which are viruses that can kill bacteria. By using advanced genetic techniques, including CRISPR, the team aims to identify essential genes in bacteria that contribute to their resistance against these viruses. The goal is to find methods to weaken bacterial defenses, making them more susceptible to phage treatment. This could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively target and eliminate antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using phage therapy to combat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be a viable and innovative treatment option.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.