Targeting a specific protein to prevent C. difficile infections
Official title: Targeting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) expression as a Clostridioides difficile therapeutic
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11089575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent infections from Clostridioides difficile by blocking a specific protein that the bacteria use to cause illness, and it's aimed at people who are at risk of getting this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $357,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI185203-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089575 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for C. difficile infections, such as those with recent antibiotic use or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for C. difficile infections or those who have already been diagnosed with severe disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to prevent infections caused by Clostridioides difficile by targeting a specific protein called chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4). The study aims to block the binding of harmful toxins produced by the bacteria to this protein, which is essential for the disease to manifest. By focusing on host signaling pathways that regulate CSPG4 expression, the researchers are exploring how to inhibit these pathways to reduce the risk of infection. This approach has shown promise in preliminary studies, where inhibiting a specific signaling pathway protected mice from C. difficile disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly reduce the incidence and severity of C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting host signaling pathways for bacterial infections is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown success in similar strategies for other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larabee, Jason — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Larabee, Jason
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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.