Understanding how a bacterial protein affects immune responses to gonorrhea
Official title: Modulation of immune responses mediated by PorB from Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11088891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein from the gonorrhea bacteria might help it avoid being fought off by our immune system, and it's exploring whether a new type of vaccine could help protect people from getting gonorrhea again, especially as the bacteria become harder to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180668-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections, particularly those experiencing recurrent infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never been infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called PorB from the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae in suppressing immune responses. By examining how PorB affects the ability of immune cells to activate T cells, the study aims to uncover why individuals infected with gonorrhea often do not develop effective immunity against future infections. The researchers are exploring the potential of using outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from related bacteria as a vaccine, while considering the immunosuppressive effects of PorB on vaccine efficacy. This work could lead to new strategies for preventing antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of an effective vaccine against antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, significantly improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous vaccination campaigns using OMVs against related bacteria have shown some success, suggesting that this approach may be promising for gonorrhea as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicholas, Robert a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Nicholas, Robert a
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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.