How a Body Protein Affects Antibiotics in Infections
Calprotectin and Antibiotic Activities at the Infection Interface
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11143214
This work explores how a natural protein in our immune cells might weaken common antibiotics, aiming to improve how we treat infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143214 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a protein called calprotectin, found in immune cells, which surprisingly can break down important antibiotics like ampicillin and amoxicillin. This project aims to understand how calprotectin's ability to inactivate these antibiotics affects their effectiveness against bacterial infections. Researchers will study this process in laboratory settings and in mice with infections. The goal is to see if blocking calprotectin's action could make antibiotics work better, potentially leading to more successful treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience bacterial infections treated with penicillin-class antibiotics, particularly those with antibiotic resistance concerns, could potentially benefit from future developments stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose infections are not treated with penicillin-class antibiotics or those without issues related to antibiotic resistance may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to make existing antibiotics more effective against common infections, especially for patients where these antibiotics currently fail.
How similar studies have performed: The discovery that a host protein can inactivate antibiotics is novel, though the use of β-lactamase inhibitors to improve antibiotic efficacy is a known strategy.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CONLON, BRIAN PATRICK — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: CONLON, BRIAN PATRICK
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.