Understanding how bacteria defend against viruses and antibiotic resistance
Official title: ATP-driven detection of foreign proteins triggers diverse mechanisms of cellular defense and phage-mediated counter defense
Funded at Montana State University - Bozeman · NIH-11087935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria fight off viruses and how their immune systems recognize these viral invaders, which could help us understand more about antibiotic resistance and improve our knowledge of the tiny organisms living in and around us.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Montana State University - Bozeman NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bozeman, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,105 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM134867-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections that do not involve bacterial co-infections may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between bacteria and viruses, specifically focusing on how bacterial immune systems detect and respond to viral infections. By utilizing bioinformatics and phylogenetics, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms through which bacteria recognize foreign viral proteins and activate their defense systems. The research also explores the evolutionary implications of these interactions for human-associated microbial communities, which could lead to new insights into antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative strategies for combating antibiotic resistance and improving treatments for bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial defenses against viruses, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Montana State University - Bozeman
Bozeman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiedenheft, Blake a — Montana State University - Bozeman
- Study coordinator: Wiedenheft, Blake 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.