How a specific virus helps fight cholera bacteria

Mechanisms by which ICP3 Overcomes Vibrio cholerae Phage Defenses

['FUNDING_R21'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11126874

This study is looking at how a special virus called ICP3 can successfully attack and kill the bacteria that cause cholera, and it aims to find out why this virus is so good at doing its job without the bacteria fighting back, which could help create better treatments for cholera.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11126874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how a particular bacteriophage, ICP3, effectively targets and kills Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. The study aims to understand why V. cholerae rarely develops resistance to ICP3 compared to other phages. By deleting specific genes in ICP3 and examining their roles, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that allow this phage to overcome bacterial defenses. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating or preventing cholera infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of cholera infection, particularly in areas where cholera outbreaks are common.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of cholera or those who have already been vaccinated against it may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for cholera, potentially reducing the incidence and severity of this disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: bacteria infection, bacterial disease, Bacterial Infections

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.