Understanding how Bordetella bacteria cause whooping cough
Official title: Identifying the Bordetella PlrSR regulon
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10912018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the Bordetella bacteria, which causes whooping cough, helps it infect the lungs, with the goal of finding new ways to create vaccines that can better protect babies and others at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI177818-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of Bordetella infections, particularly infants and young children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already immune to Bordetella infections or those who do not have a risk of exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Bordetella bacteria, which cause whooping cough, focusing on a specific regulatory system called PlrSR. The study aims to identify new virulence factors that are crucial for the bacteria's ability to infect the lower respiratory tract, even when another regulatory system is active. By understanding these factors, the researchers hope to develop new vaccines that can prevent both infection and disease, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations like infants. The team consists of experts in Bordetella pathogenesis and molecular biology, ensuring a thorough approach to this important public health issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that prevent whooping cough transmission and infection.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying new vaccine targets for Bordetella, but the PlrSR regulatory system is a relatively novel focus.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cotter, Peggy a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Cotter, Peggy 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.