Investigating a toxin from the bacteria Sneathia vaginalis and its role in infections and preterm birth
Official title: "Role of the cytotoxin, CptA, from the emerging bacterial pathogen Sneathia vaginalis, in pathogenesis"
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10734786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a bacteria called Sneathia vaginalis, which can cause infections and is linked to preterm birth, to see how a specific toxin it produces affects both moms and babies, with the hope of finding better ways to help those who are impacted.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | November 4, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,063 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166168-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who may be colonized or infected with Sneathia vaginalis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have infections related to Sneathia vaginalis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the emerging bacterial pathogen Sneathia vaginalis, which has been linked to preterm birth and various infections. The study aims to understand the role of a specific toxin, CptA, produced by this bacterium in causing damage to fetal membranes and its impact on maternal and fetal immune responses. By using advanced DNA-based methods and developing a mouse model, researchers will explore how this pathogen interacts with the body during infection. This could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for infections associated with Sneathia vaginalis, potentially reducing the risk of preterm birth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of CptA in Sneathia vaginalis pathogenesis is novel, similar research on bacterial toxins has shown promise in understanding other pathogens.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jefferson, Kimberly Kay — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Jefferson, Kimberly Kay
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.