How bacteria modify their outer membrane to evade the immune system
Official title: Novel roles for lipopolysaccharide modifications in immune evasion
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10889028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how some bacteria change their outer layer to avoid being attacked by our immune system, which could help scientists find new ways to create better antibiotics for treating infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,231 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI169122-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889028 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 Gram-negative bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain modifications in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria help them evade the human immune system. It focuses on a component called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is crucial for the bacteria's ability to resist antimicrobial treatments. By understanding the specific changes in LPS that allow bacteria to escape immune detection, the research aims to identify new targets for antibiotic development. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more effective against resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial evasion mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in antibiotic therapies, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coers, Joern — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Coers, Joern
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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.