New treatments to fight Staphylococcus aureus infections
Official title: DARPin-based therapeutics against S. aureus infection
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11139774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new treatments to help prevent and fight infections caused by a tough bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which can be really serious, especially when it resists antibiotics, by stopping it from clumping together and hiding from the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | January 24, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,700 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI182950-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those who do not have Staphylococcus aureus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new biologics that can prevent and treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria responsible for many severe infections and deaths each year. The approach involves blocking the bacteria's ability to clump together, which helps them evade the immune system and resist antibiotics. By targeting a specific protein critical for this clumping, the research aims to create effective therapies that could improve patient outcomes. The study will utilize laboratory models to test the efficacy of these new treatments against antibiotic-resistant strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing biologics targeting bacterial adhesion and clumping, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zhilei — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zhilei
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.