Investigating how changes in bacterial cell walls affect immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus
Official title: Probing the role of peptidoglycan modification in the antibody response to Staphylococcus aureus
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11082434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes to the outer layer of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can help create better treatments using antibodies, which could be really helpful for patients dealing with infections that are hard to treat because they resist antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 9, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,355 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI172525-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those not infected with Staphylococcus aureus may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how modifications to the cell walls of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria influence the body's antibody response. By synthesizing specific fragments of the bacterial cell wall, the researchers aim to develop new therapeutic antibodies that can effectively target and combat antibiotic-resistant strains of this pathogen. The project emphasizes the importance of these modifications in creating high-affinity antibodies that could lead to better treatment options for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Patients may benefit from advancements in antibody-based therapies that are designed to overcome current antibiotic resistance challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibody therapies that effectively treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing antibody therapies targeting bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grimes, Catherine Leimkuhler — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Grimes, Catherine Leimkuhler
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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.