Understanding how bacteria use proteins to survive inside host cells

Structure and functions of a bacterial Type IV effector complex

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · NIH-11093565

This study is looking at how certain proteins from the bacteria Brucella abortus help it thrive inside our cells, which could lead to new ways to understand and fight bacterial infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11093565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain bacterial proteins, known as effectors, help bacteria like Brucella abortus survive and grow inside host cells. By examining the interactions between multiple effector proteins, the study aims to uncover how these proteins coordinate their activities to manipulate host cellular processes. The researchers will focus on a specific complex of effector proteins that may inhibit host cell functions, which could lead to better understanding of bacterial infections. This work involves biochemical and biophysical techniques to analyze these interactions at a molecular level.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by infections caused by Brucella species or similar bacterial pathogens.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by non-Brucella bacterial pathogens may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating bacterial infections by targeting the mechanisms that allow bacteria to thrive within host cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial effector proteins can lead to significant advancements in treating bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: bacteria infection, bacterial disease, Bacterial Infections

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.