Investigating how Vibrio vulnificus bacteria cause infections in skin wounds
Official title: Ex vivo skin wound infection model for Vibrio vulnificus pathogenesis
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11094072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Vibrio vulnificus bacteria cause infections in skin wounds and aims to find new ways to treat these infections, especially for people who have antibiotic-resistant strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,699 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182897-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with skin wounds who are at risk of Vibrio infections, particularly those living in coastal areas or with exposure to marine environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have skin wounds or are not at risk of Vibrio infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which Vibrio vulnificus bacteria lead to infections, particularly in skin wounds. The study utilizes an ex vivo model to explore the role of quorum sensing, a communication method used by bacteria to coordinate their behavior. By targeting specific proteins involved in this process, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could effectively combat antibiotic-resistant strains of Vibrio. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for infections caused by these bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Vibrio bacteria, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting quorum sensing in bacteria, indicating that this approach could be effective in developing new treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Kessel, Julia C. — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Van Kessel, Julia C.
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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.