Immunizing white-footed mice to prevent Lyme disease transmission
Heritable immunization of the white-footed mouse reservoir of Lyme disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-10906678
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent Lyme disease by giving white-footed mice a special treatment that helps them fight off the bacteria that cause the disease, which could ultimately protect people from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10906678 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a long-lasting method to prevent Lyme disease by immunizing white-footed mice, which are key carriers of the disease. The approach involves genetically modifying these mice to produce antibodies that target the Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. By doing so, the researchers hope to disrupt the cycle of Lyme disease transmission from ticks to mice and ultimately to humans. This innovative strategy seeks to provide a sustainable solution to reduce Lyme disease incidence over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent and who may be at risk of tick exposure.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in Lyme disease-endemic areas or those who are not at risk of tick exposure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the rates of Lyme disease in humans by reducing the number of infected ticks.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of heritable immunization is novel, similar strategies targeting disease reservoirs have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ESVELT, KEVIN — MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: ESVELT, KEVIN
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.