Precision antibiotics against pneumonia-causing bacteria
PNA-STAMPs: Versatile, Potent and Targeted Antibiotics
Researchers are creating targeted peptide antibiotics designed to kill the pneumonia bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae while sparing other helpful bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146745 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds tiny, two-part peptide drugs that pair a killing component with a Streptococcus pneumoniae–targeting piece so the drug focuses on the bad bug. The team uses a “molecular velcro” system (complementary PNA adapters) to rapidly assemble and screen many versions of these targeted peptides. Early lab tests showed some fused peptides can kill most pneumococcus in culture, and the team will refine and test the best candidates. Work is currently at the laboratory stage to create a platform for species-specific antibiotics against Gram-positive pathogens.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The work would be most relevant to people with infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or those at high risk for pneumococcal disease.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by other bacteria or by viruses, or those who need broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately, may not benefit from this targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce antibiotics that kill pneumococcus more precisely, reducing side effects and slowing antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown that fusing targeting peptides to antimicrobial peptides can strongly kill pneumococcus in culture, but clinical testing has not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Carnegie-Mellon University — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hiller, Natalia Luisa — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Hiller, Natalia Luisa
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.