New treatments using chemokines to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections
A unique strategy for reshaping the antibiotics model: chemokine-inspired therapeutics for targeting the host and pathogen to counter infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria
This study is testing a new treatment for infections caused by tough bacteria that don't respond to regular antibiotics, using special proteins from the body to help boost the immune system and directly fight the germs, which could help patients recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10903805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores a novel approach to combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria by utilizing chemokine-inspired therapeutics. The team is developing two specific peptides derived from the human chemokine CXCL10, one aimed at enhancing the immune response and the other designed to directly kill bacteria. By combining these peptides, the research aims to create a multi-faceted treatment strategy that not only targets the bacteria but also supports the body's recovery process. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment that seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not multidrug-resistant may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for infections that are currently difficult to manage due to antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using chemokine-derived peptides is innovative, similar strategies targeting immune responses and bacterial resistance have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, Molly a — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Hughes, Molly a
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 below.