Understanding how human antibodies can help develop a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus
Official title: Interrogating human anti-staphylococcal antibody responses for S. aureus vaccine insights
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10933027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system fights off a common bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, especially in kids and older adults, to help create a better vaccine by figuring out which antibodies work best against it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $813,730 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181321-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children and older adults who have experienced invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Staphylococcus aureus infections or are outside the age range of 0-11 years and older adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune response to Staphylococcus aureus, a common and dangerous bacteria, particularly in children and older adults. The team will analyze blood samples from these groups to identify which antibodies are effective in fighting this infection. By understanding the differences between protective and non-protective antibodies, the researchers aim to develop a more effective vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus. The study will involve detailed assessments of antibody profiles and their functional capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that significantly reduces infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been many attempts to create vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus, this approach is novel in its focus on human antibody responses and their implications for vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, George Y — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Liu, George Y
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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.