Understanding how antimicrobial peptides can break down the protective capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Official title: Refining our understanding of antimicrobial peptide mediated disruption of the Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-11055963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special proteins can break through the protective layer of a tough germ called Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is hard to treat with regular antibiotics, to help find better ways to fight infections for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AI163295-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Klebsiella pneumoniae may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain antimicrobial peptides can penetrate and disrupt the capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium known for its resistance to antibiotics. The study aims to identify specific amino acid residues that enhance the ability of these peptides to bypass the capsule's defenses. Through biochemical and biophysical experiments, the research will explore the mechanisms by which these peptides aggregate and disrupt the capsule, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies against multi-drug resistant infections. Patients may benefit from improved treatments for infections caused by this dangerous bacterium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using antimicrobial peptides to combat bacterial infections, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleeman, Renee — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Fleeman, Renee
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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.