New vaccine targets for gonorrhea
Novel vaccine antigens against N. gonorrhoeae
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-10911189
Developing vaccine targets based on newly discovered gonorrhea proteins to help prevent gonorrhea in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10911189 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at gonorrhea bacteria collected from people and finds bacterial proteins that are made during real infections. Researchers use computer-based screening to pick promising proteins, then check whether those proteins sit on the bacterial surface and trigger antibody responses. Promising antigens are tested in the lab and in preclinical models to see if they generate protective immunity. The goal is to select the best vaccine candidates to move toward future human vaccine testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with current gonorrhea infection or people at high risk who can provide genital (urethral or vaginal) or urine samples for research are the most likely candidates to participate.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or expecting direct protection should not enroll because this is early-stage vaccine development and will not provide a ready clinical benefit now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a vaccine that prevents gonorrhea and reduces antibiotic-resistant infections and reproductive complications.
How similar studies have performed: Some observational data suggest meningococcal B vaccines may offer partial cross-protection, but direct gonorrhea vaccines remain largely unproven and this antigen-focused approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MASSARI, PAOLA — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: MASSARI, PAOLA
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.