Understanding how bacteria defend against viruses and how viruses fight back
Discovery of bacterial defense and phage counter-defense strategies
This study is looking at how bacteria and the viruses that infect them interact, focusing on how bacteria defend themselves and how viruses try to get around those defenses, which could help us find new ways to treat tough bacterial infections that don’t respond to regular antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10923485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. It aims to identify the various defense mechanisms that bacteria use to protect themselves from these viral infections, as well as the strategies that phages employ to overcome these defenses. By utilizing innovative high-throughput methods, the research seeks to discover new bacterial defense systems and phage counter-defenses that have not yet been identified. This knowledge could lead to advancements in treating bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to traditional antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections that are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections that do not involve bacterial co-infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating bacterial infections, especially in cases of antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using phages as therapeutic agents against bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forsberg, Kevin J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Forsberg, Kevin J
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.