Understanding how genetic factors affect the immune response in Lyme disease.
Official title: Mechanistic Studies of the Role of Genetic Factors in VlsE Antigenic Variation by the Lyme Disease Spirochete
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11127102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that causes Lyme disease can change its surface to hide from our immune system, focusing on a specific protein called VlsE, which could help us find new ways to treat Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI182112-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease, particularly those experiencing persistent symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Lyme disease or those who have already resolved their infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, changes its surface proteins to evade the immune system. By studying a specific protein called VlsE, the researchers aim to uncover the genetic mechanisms that allow these changes to occur. They will use advanced genetic techniques to introduce mutations and analyze how these affect the bacteria's ability to survive and cause persistent infections. This work could lead to better understanding and potential new treatments for Lyme disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating or preventing Lyme disease by targeting the mechanisms of immune evasion.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding antigenic variation in other pathogens, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bankhead, Troy Michael — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Bankhead, Troy Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding why some people have ongoing symptoms after Lyme disease
A long-term study follows people diagnosed with acute Lyme disease to see who develops persistent symptoms and why, with care from a team of Lyme experts.
-
CSF Protein Map in Post-Treatment Lyme Disease
A short study to map proteins in spinal fluid of people who had Lyme disease and still feel sick after standard treatment, to understand what’s going on.
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Lyme disease vaccine research aimed at preventing infection
Researchers are developing a Lyme disease vaccine by studying how the immune system responds to Borrelia burgdorferi and testing vaccine approaches to prevent illness.
-
Lyme disease brain health: tracking brain signals and blood clues after treatment
This study follows people with early Lyme disease and compares them to healthy volunteers to see how the brain and blood markers change over a year after starting antibiotics.
-
Lyme disease symptoms lingering after treatment may be driven by special bacterial fragments
A human-friendly look at a study exploring why some Lyme patients keep symptoms after antibiotics and whether tiny fragments from the bacteria are to blame.
-
Understanding Lyme disease immune signals to predict recovery after antibiotics
A research project at MIT aims to find immune biomarkers that tell which Lyme patients will recover after standard antibiotics and who might have lasting symptoms.
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.