How our genes and immune system affect C. difficile infections
Official title: Regulation of C. difficile colitis by host genetic and immune factors
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11585001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a common human gene variant and immune factors influence the severity of C. difficile infections and whether targeting inflammation could help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $210,780 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI158451-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11585001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with C. difficile infection, especially those carrying the LEPR Q223R variant or with severe disease.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without CDI or without the relevant genetic/immune factors may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Clostridium difficile infections are a major hospital problem, and this study focuses on how host genetics and immune responses shape disease outcomes. It highlights a LEPR gene variant (Q223R) and the inflammatory molecule MIF as key players in worsened disease, based on human data and mouse models. The researchers plan to test how blocking MIF or its receptors might reduce tissue damage and improve survival, exploring the biology behind why some people fare worse. The work combines human genetic insights with experiments in models to identify potential new therapeutic angles for patients with CDI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new approaches to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for people with CDI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that blocking MIF or its receptor can reduce tissue injury in CDI models, supporting a potential translational path.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madan, Rajat — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Madan, Rajat
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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.