How C. difficile toxin B damages the gut and ways to block it
Structure and Function of C. Difficile Toxins
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11295837
Researchers are mapping differences in C. difficile toxin B and making antibodies to neutralize many toxin variants for people at risk of C. difficile infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295837 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at different versions of C. difficile toxin B to find how each one binds to human receptors and causes damage. Scientists will determine the molecular shapes of toxin-receptor pairs using co-crystallography and cryo-EM so they can see exactly where to block the toxin. They will test how variant toxins cause disease in living models to learn which are most dangerous. Finally, the team will design and test new broad-acting antibodies intended to neutralize many toxin B variants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or recurrent C. difficile infection, especially those with severe disease or infections from hypervirulent strains, would be most relevant to this work or future trials.
Not a fit: People without C. difficile infection or whose illness is caused by other pathogens are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could yield antibody treatments that protect people from a wide range of C. difficile toxin B variants and reduce severe infections and recurrences.
How similar studies have performed: Existing monoclonal antibodies against toxin B have helped prevent recurrence, but creating antibodies that neutralize the full diversity of TcdB variants is a newer and less-tested aim.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DONG, MIN — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: DONG, MIN
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.