Understanding how Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria affect chronic respiratory diseases.
Official title: Causes and consequences of virulence factor attenuation in Mycoplasma pneumoniae biofilms
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-10873577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae behaves when it forms clusters, which might help us understand why it can cause long-lasting lung problems like pneumonia and asthma, and the researchers hope to find new ways to help people feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $427,996 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI183099-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic respiratory conditions, particularly those with pneumonia or asthma linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute respiratory infections not related to Mycoplasma pneumoniae may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae produce fewer harmful factors when they grow in biofilm structures, which may contribute to chronic respiratory diseases like pneumonia and asthma. The researchers aim to understand the conditions that allow these bacteria to persist in the lungs and how they interact with respiratory cells. By studying these interactions in a controlled laboratory setting, they hope to identify potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate the negative effects of these infections on patients' health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the impact of chronic respiratory diseases caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying Mycoplasma pneumoniae biofilms is relatively novel, similar research on bacterial biofilms has shown promising results in understanding chronic infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balish, Mitchell F — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Balish, Mitchell F
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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.