Identifying new vaccine targets for Clostridioides difficile infections
Official title: Project 2: Leveraging microbial ecology to define novel Clostridioides difficile mRNA vaccine targets
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11037956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new mRNA vaccines to help protect people from Clostridioides difficile infections, which can cause serious stomach problems, by finding ways to boost the immune system against this germ.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,991 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174998-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or have experienced recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Clostridioides difficile infections or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative mRNA vaccines to combat Clostridioides difficile, a pathogen responsible for severe gastrointestinal disorders. By analyzing the life cycle and surface proteins of C. difficile, the team aims to discover new vaccine antigens that can effectively stimulate the immune response. The methodology includes whole genome sequencing and advanced imaging techniques to identify and validate these targets. Patients may benefit from improved prevention strategies against recurrent infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that significantly reduce the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar pathogens, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zackular, Joseph Paul — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zackular, Joseph Paul
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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.