Understanding how a bacterial component can help chronic pain
Official title: Lipoteichoic acid mediated modulation of chronic pain
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11169042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a natural substance from bacteria might help reduce chronic pelvic pain, a condition that currently lacks effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK108127-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients experiencing chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome who are interested in the development of new treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or those whose pain is not related to chronic pelvic pain syndrome may not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) causes significant discomfort in the pelvic region for many men, and current treatments often fall short. This project looks into a specific component, called lipoteichoic acid (SELTA), found in a common skin bacterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis. Researchers previously found that this bacterial component could lessen pelvic pain in animal models by calming the immune system and activating natural pain-reducing pathways in nerves. The goal is to understand how SELTA works to reduce pain, potentially leading to new ways to treat this challenging condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective treatments for chronic pelvic pain, offering relief to many who currently suffer without good options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this team has shown promising results in animal models, demonstrating that a bacterial component can reduce pelvic pain and modulate immune responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thumbikat, Praveen — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Thumbikat, Praveen
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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.