Exploring immune responses to fight Clostridioides difficile infections
Official title: Understanding and leveraging immunometabolism to combat Clostridioides difficile infection
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10897165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your body can be activated to help fight off Clostridioides difficile infections, with the goal of finding new ways to boost your immune response and improve treatments for this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $530,991 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173108-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897165 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced or are at risk for Clostridioides difficile infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Clostridioides difficile infections or related gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how specific immune cells, known as group 3 innate lymphocytes (ILC3s), can be activated to improve the body's defense against Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). The study focuses on the interaction between these immune cells and the bacteria, particularly how a toxin produced by C. difficile can stimulate ILC3s to release protective substances. By investigating the metabolic pathways that influence ILC3 activation, the researchers hope to identify new strategies to enhance immune responses and potentially develop better treatments for CDI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients suffering from Clostridioides difficile infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in enhancing immune responses through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zenewicz, Lauren a — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Zenewicz, Lauren a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how the immune system fights C. difficile to prevent recurrence
A new NIH grant is studying how the body’s own immune response to C. difficile infection might be boosted to prevent future outbreaks.
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Impact of gut bile acids on C. difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease
This grant tests whether changes in gut microbes and their bile acids influence how likely people with inflammatory bowel disease are to get and how severe a C. difficile infection could be.
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Role of gut bacteria in shaping C. difficile infection
Aims to map how the gut microbiome and its metabolic environment influence Clostridioides difficile infection in people and how we might prevent or treat it.
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Detailed genetic look at C. difficile and the gut microbiome in infection and relapse
Researchers will sequence C. difficile and gut bacteria from thousands of patient stool samples to find genetic and microbial patterns linked to severe or recurring infections.
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Multivalent vaccine to prevent C. difficile infection and recurrence
This project is developing a vaccine that teaches the immune system to neutralize C. difficile toxins and block the bacteria from coming back for people at risk of infection.
-
Gut-targeted antibiotics for C. difficile infection
Developing gut-targeted antibiotics to kill C. difficile while keeping healthy gut bacteria for people with recurrent C. difficile infections.
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.