Understanding how Lyme disease bacteria adapt to ticks and mammals
Official title: Elucidating the contributions of c-di-GMP and PlzA to tick- and mammalian host-adaptation in Lyme disease spirochetes
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10850802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause Lyme disease change and move around in ticks and animals, which could help us understand more about the disease and how to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $208,073 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173921-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease or those at high risk of exposure to ticks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Lyme disease or are not at risk of tick exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, adapt to their tick and mammalian hosts. The study focuses on two key regulatory systems that control gene expression and motility in these bacteria, particularly how a signaling molecule called c-di-GMP influences their behavior. By examining the roles of specific proteins involved in this signaling, the research aims to uncover critical insights into the lifecycle of the bacteria and their transmission between hosts. This could lead to a better understanding of Lyme disease and its prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial adaptations in other infectious diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caimano, Melissa J — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Caimano, Melissa J
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.
-
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.