Understanding how a component of Lyme disease bacteria affects symptoms
Defining the host and pathogen determinants of peptidoglycan induced pathophysiology in Lyme disease
This study is looking at how a part of the Lyme disease bacteria might cause ongoing symptoms, like arthritis, in people even after they've been treated with antibiotics, and it aims to help us understand why some patients still feel unwell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139176 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of peptidoglycan, a component of the cell wall of the Lyme disease bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, in causing persistent symptoms in patients. The study aims to identify how this unique peptidoglycan contributes to the disease's progression and the development of conditions like arthritis, even after antibiotic treatment. By using animal models, researchers will track the behavior of peptidoglycan in the body to understand its effects on inflammation and tissue damage. The findings could lead to new insights into why some patients continue to experience symptoms long after treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and are experiencing persistent symptoms despite receiving antibiotic therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been diagnosed with Lyme disease or who do not exhibit ongoing symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for Lyme disease and its lingering symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial components can lead to breakthroughs in treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jutras, Brandon Lyon — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Jutras, Brandon Lyon
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.