Understanding how Brucella bacteria communicate and cause disease
Official title: Defining the atypical quorum sensing system of Brucella spp.
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11006294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Brucella bacteria communicate and survive inside immune cells, which could help us find new ways to treat and prevent brucellosis, a disease that can affect both people and animals, especially since current treatments aren't always effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180524-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals who have been diagnosed with brucellosis or are at risk of exposure to Brucella through contact with infected animals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of exposure to Brucella or do not have a diagnosis related to this bacterial infection may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique communication system of Brucella bacteria, which can infect both animals and humans, leading to serious health issues. The study focuses on how these bacteria survive and replicate within immune cells, which is crucial for their ability to cause disease. By exploring the atypical quorum sensing mechanisms of Brucella, the research aims to identify new targets for treatment and prevention, particularly since current antibiotic therapies are often ineffective and there is no vaccine available for humans. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to better treatment options for brucellosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and potentially a vaccine for infections caused by Brucella bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the quorum sensing mechanisms of many bacteria have been studied, the atypical nature of Brucella's system makes this research novel and potentially groundbreaking.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caswell, Clayton C — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Caswell, Clayton C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Histotripsy + immune boost to fight osteosarcoma
A new treatment idea combines a precise non-surgical ultrasound method with an immune-boosting compound to help fight bone cancer in people and dogs.
-
Understanding how front-thalamus connections affect thinking and behavior in schizophrenia
Researchers are studying how the prefrontal cortex and mediodorsal thalamus work together to support thinking, memory, and behavior in schizophrenia, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who have cognitive difficulties.
-
Data-driven hormonal modeling of vaginal tissue changes across a woman’s life
A data-driven, physics-informed computer model will map how hormones drive vaginal tissue remodeling across puberty, reproductive life, and menopause to help predict risks and tailor therapies.
-
Supporting flood recovery in rural areas through health data and knowledge sharing
Aimed at people in rural Appalachian regions affected by inland flooding, this project will use health data and rapid information sharing to inform recovery and future planning.
-
Adaptation of PATH-Pain for Dementia Family Caregivers Living with Persistent Pain and Negative Emotions
Aimed at helping dementia family caregivers who live with ongoing pain and negative feelings by adapting a pain-management program to fit their caregiving needs.
-
Genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture pathogens
This project aims to build a DNA-based tracking system to spot antibiotic resistance in bacteria that affect fish farms, helping protect animal health and food safety.
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.