Finding new ways to help bacteria resist viruses that infect them
Official title: Systematic identification of novel anti-phage defense mechanisms in the E. coli pangenome
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11017845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how E. coli bacteria protect themselves from viruses, and by understanding their defense strategies, we hope to find new ways to help people with tough infections that don't respond to regular antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 29, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,788 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181878-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria, specifically E. coli, defend themselves against viruses known as bacteriophages. By exploring the genetic makeup of these bacteria, the researchers aim to identify new mechanisms that allow them to resist viral infections. The study employs advanced techniques to systematically uncover these defense strategies, which could lead to innovative treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. Patients suffering from such infections may benefit from the insights gained through this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been some successful case studies using phage therapy, this research aims to explore largely untested mechanisms, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laub, Michael — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Laub, Michael
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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.