How C. difficile toxin damages different cells in the gut
Gastrointestinal cell type-specific signaling and C. difficile toxin pathogenesis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11212772
Researchers are learning how the main C. difficile toxin (TcdB) harms colon cells and how those cells respond.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11212772 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the toxin TcdB made by C. difficile and how it injures the lining of the colon at the level of specific cell types. Scientists will use advanced lab models such as 3D cell cultures and human-derived tissue models to mimic the colon environment and study cell signaling changes after toxin exposure. The team will examine clinical bacterial isolates and host cell receptors to map how TcdB attaches to and kills cells. Findings aim to point toward new, more specific ways to prevent or treat recurrent C. difficile infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have had C. difficile infection—especially those with recurrent infections or who receive care at VA medical centers.
Not a fit: People without C. difficile infection or those with other causes of diarrhea are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies that more specifically block toxin damage and help prevent recurrent C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have performed: Some approaches—like fecal microbiota transplant and the anti-toxin antibody bezlotoxumab—have helped patients but have limitations, so this toxin-focused work builds on existing but incomplete successes.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARKHAM, NICHOLAS O — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- Study coordinator: MARKHAM, NICHOLAS O
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections