Finding new ways bacteria defend against viruses that cause infections.
Official title: Discovery of new phage defense systems in Vibrio cholerae
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10996356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause cholera defend themselves against viruses, which could help us find new ways to treat infections, especially as some bacteria are becoming harder to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,768 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186463-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those not affected by bacterial pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Vibrio cholerae protects itself from viruses known as bacteriophages. By exploring the genetic makeup of V. cholerae, the research aims to identify new defense mechanisms that the bacteria use to survive phage attacks. The approach involves screening a genomic library to find segments of DNA that can shield bacteria from viral infection. This work is particularly relevant given the rise of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, as it could lead to innovative treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating bacterial infections, especially those resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using phage therapy to combat bacterial infections, indicating that exploring phage defense mechanisms could be a valuable avenue.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez, Jasper — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gomez, Jasper
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.