Understanding how anthrax toxin causes death and finding new treatments
Official title: Mechanisms of anthrax lethal toxin-induced mortality and the novel biological-based targeted therapies
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10995266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how anthrax toxin harms the body and aims to find new treatments that can help people recover even after serious damage has been done, especially when standard treatments aren't working anymore.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $592,728 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170574-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been diagnosed with anthrax or are at high risk of exposure to anthrax.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by anthrax or those who have already received effective treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the lethal effects of anthrax toxin on the body and aims to develop new therapies that can help patients even after severe damage has occurred. The study focuses on the mechanisms by which the anthrax lethal toxin causes harm, particularly in cases where traditional treatments are no longer effective. By exploring these mechanisms, the researchers hope to create targeted therapies that can repair cellular damage and improve survival rates for those affected by anthrax. This work is crucial given the rapid progression of anthrax disease and the high mortality rates associated with it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce mortality rates in patients suffering from anthrax.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on anthrax treatment, this approach focusing on targeted therapies beyond the point of no return is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Shihui — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Liu, Shihui
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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.