Identifying how pertussis toxin interacts with cell surfaces
Official title: Discovery of pertussis toxin receptors
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11093550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a toxin from the whooping cough bacteria interacts with different types of cells in the body, especially those involved in the immune response and breathing, to help find ways to better treat and understand the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183574-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with pertussis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have not been exposed to Bordetella pertussis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the pertussis toxin, produced by Bordetella pertussis, binds to and affects different cell types, particularly lymphocytes and respiratory epithelial cells. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide knockout screening, the study aims to identify specific genes and glycan structures that influence the toxin's binding and internalization. By understanding these interactions, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the severity of whooping cough and potentially develop targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for whooping cough and better understanding of how to prevent severe symptoms in affected children.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have successfully identified toxin interactions in other bacterial infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohler, Jennifer J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kohler, Jennifer J
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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.