Understanding how a protein affects Lyme disease transmission
Official title: PlzA, cyclic-di-GMP and the enzootic cycle for Lyme disease
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10974034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called PlzA in Lyme disease bacteria to see how it helps the bacteria survive and spread, which could help us understand how Lyme disease is passed from ticks to people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $669,937 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI169840-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974034 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, particularly those who have had exposure to ticks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in Lyme disease-endemic areas or those who have not been exposed to ticks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, PlzA, in the lifecycle of Lyme disease-causing bacteria. By analyzing how this protein interacts with a signaling molecule called cyclic-di-GMP, researchers aim to understand how the bacteria adapt to their environment. The study involves creating genetically modified strains of the bacteria to observe how changes in the PlzA protein affect their ability to infect ticks and mammals. This could provide insights into the mechanisms behind Lyme disease transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing Lyme disease transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding bacterial adaptations and their implications for disease transmission, making this approach potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marconi, Richard T — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Marconi, Richard T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding why some people have ongoing symptoms after Lyme disease
A long-term study follows people diagnosed with acute Lyme disease to see who develops persistent symptoms and why, with care from a team of Lyme experts.
-
CSF Protein Map in Post-Treatment Lyme Disease
A short study to map proteins in spinal fluid of people who had Lyme disease and still feel sick after standard treatment, to understand what’s going on.
-
Lyme disease vaccine research aimed at preventing infection
Researchers are developing a Lyme disease vaccine by studying how the immune system responds to Borrelia burgdorferi and testing vaccine approaches to prevent illness.
-
Lyme disease brain health: tracking brain signals and blood clues after treatment
This study follows people with early Lyme disease and compares them to healthy volunteers to see how the brain and blood markers change over a year after starting antibiotics.
-
Lyme disease symptoms lingering after treatment may be driven by special bacterial fragments
A human-friendly look at a study exploring why some Lyme patients keep symptoms after antibiotics and whether tiny fragments from the bacteria are to blame.
-
Understanding Lyme disease immune signals to predict recovery after antibiotics
A research project at MIT aims to find immune biomarkers that tell which Lyme patients will recover after standard antibiotics and who might have lasting symptoms.
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.