Understanding how Borrelia bacteria evade the immune system
Official title: Virulence Mechanisms of Multifunctional Borrelial Proteins
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-11139247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Borrelia bacteria, which cause Lyme disease, manage to dodge our immune system, and it aims to find out how certain proteins they produce help them do this, with hopes of discovering better ways to prevent or treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $594,545 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI146930-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or other Borrelia-related infections would be ideal candidates for this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria unrelated to Borrelia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Borrelia bacteria, responsible for Lyme disease and other infections, evade the human immune system. The team will study specific proteins produced by these bacteria that interact with host immune responses, particularly focusing on how they affect the complement system, a key part of innate immunity. By using animal models, the researchers aim to uncover how these proteins contribute to the bacteria's ability to cause disease. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by Borrelia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or preventive measures for Lyme disease and related infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune evasion by other pathogens, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Brandon Lee — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Brandon Lee
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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.