Identifying new targets for vaccines against C. difficile infections
Official title: Project 2: Discovery of novel C. difficile antigens using genetic and biochemical approaches
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11044221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help your body fight off Clostridioides difficile infections, which can be really tough, especially in hospitals, by finding parts of the bacteria that can boost your immune system and eventually create a vaccine to prevent these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | March 3, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,740 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old, particularly those at risk for C. difficile infections due to antibiotic use or compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those who are younger than 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Clostridioides difficile, a bacterium responsible for severe intestinal infections, particularly in hospital settings. The project aims to discover new antigens that can stimulate the immune system to effectively combat this pathogen. By using genetic and biochemical methods, researchers will identify these antigens and test their effectiveness in a mouse model. The goal is to develop a vaccine that can prevent C. difficile infections by enhancing the body's immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of an effective vaccine against C. difficile infections, significantly reducing hospital-acquired diarrhea and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying vaccine targets for bacterial infections, but this specific approach to C. difficile is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skaar, Eric P — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Skaar, Eric P
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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.