Understanding how Bordetella pertussis causes disease and finding new treatments
Uncovering the two-partner secretion mechanism and novel antimicrobials
This study is looking at how the whooping cough bacteria sticks to our lungs and avoids our immune system, with the goal of finding better vaccines and treatments to help 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 ID | NIH-10993162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria responsible for whooping cough, which has seen a resurgence due to changes in vaccination strategies. The team aims to uncover the mechanisms by which this bacteria adheres to respiratory cells and evades the immune response, specifically through a protein called Filamentous hemagglutinin (FhaB). By identifying ways to inhibit the secretion of FhaB, the research seeks to develop more effective vaccines and antibiotic therapies to combat pertussis, especially in vulnerable populations like infants. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatment options that arise from a deeper understanding of this pathogen.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who are at higher risk for severe pertussis infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by Bordetella pertussis or who have already been vaccinated with effective vaccines may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and antibiotic treatments for whooping cough, reducing morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms and developing targeted therapies, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- 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
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.