How Bordetella pertussis interacts with human nasal cells
Official title: Interaction of Bordetella pertussis with human nasal epithelium
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11093534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the whooping cough germ sticks around in the noses of people, even those who have been vaccinated and might not show many symptoms, to help find ways to make vaccines better and understand how the disease spreads.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183669-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children, especially those under 11 years old who may be at risk for whooping cough.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have already been diagnosed with chronic respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough, interacts with human nasal epithelial cells. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which this bacterium attaches to and persists in the nasal cavity, particularly in vaccinated individuals who may show mild or no symptoms. By using human nasal epithelial cultures that mimic the natural environment of the human nose, researchers will explore how biofilm formation contributes to long-term infection. This approach could provide insights into improving vaccine effectiveness and understanding disease transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines and strategies to prevent whooping cough, particularly in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial interactions in human tissues can lead to significant advancements in vaccine development, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deora, Rajendar K — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Deora, Rajendar K
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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.