Overcoming beta-lactam resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus complex
Official title: Dissecting the molecular targets to overcome beta-lactam resistance in M. abscessus complex
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11345938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests new ways to make beta-lactam antibiotics work better against tough lung infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, especially in people with cystic fibrosis or weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $839,368 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI141805-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pulmonary NTM infections caused by the M. abscessus complex, especially those with cystic fibrosis, post-transplant status, or other immunocompromising conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without M. abscessus lung infection or those not considered candidates for beta-lactam–based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers aim to identify the bacterial targets that influence beta-lactam effectiveness against M. abscessus and to develop strategies that enhance dual-β-lactam therapy. They use genetic tools like CRISPR and Himar1 transposon libraries, along with a mouse infection model, to study how these antibiotics interact with bacterial cell walls both in the lab and in living organisms. The goal is to find specific bacterial genes and pathways that, when blocked or altered, improve antibiotic performance and reduce resistance. By combining laboratory findings with animal studies, the project seeks to move toward more reliable treatment options for patients with chronic MABC infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective antibiotic regimens for M. abscessus infections, potentially improving cure rates and reducing treatment duration for vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows in vitro activity of beta-lactams against MABC and some synergistic effects, but the exact targets and in vivo relevance remain to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kreiswirth, Barry Neal — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kreiswirth, Barry Neal
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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.