Investigating a pigment produced by a common bacterial pathogen

Discovery of a pigment produced by Streptococcus pyogenes

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10795105

This study is looking at a new pigment made by a germ called Streptococcus pyogenes, which can cause infections, to see how it helps the germ survive tough conditions and fight off our immune system, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10795105 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on a newly discovered pigment produced by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which is known to cause various infections in humans. The study aims to understand how this pigment helps the bacteria survive against environmental stressors and immune responses. Researchers will analyze the pigment's composition and structure, identify the genes responsible for its production, and explore its potential effects on bacterial virulence. This work could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating infections caused by this pathogen.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or are at risk of such infections.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other bacteria or those who do not have a history of Streptococcus pyogenes infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments or vaccines targeting Streptococcus pyogenes infections.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific discovery of this pigment is novel, similar research approaches have successfully identified new bacterial factors that contribute to virulence in other pathogens.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.