Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus affects vaccine effectiveness
Mechanisms of vaccine interference by S. aureus-induced imprints
This study is looking into why vaccines for a common bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus don't work as well in people as they do in animals, and it hopes to find ways to make these vaccines more effective by understanding how our immune system reacts to the bacteria.
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 ID | NIH-11051233 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates why vaccines targeting Staphylococcus aureus often fail in humans despite success in animal models. It focuses on the immune response to the bacteria, particularly how prior exposure to Staphylococcus aureus alters antibody production and effectiveness. By studying the role of a specific immune molecule called IL10, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these vaccine failures and identify potential strategies to improve vaccine responses in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have had recurrent Staphylococcus aureus infections or are at high risk for such infections.
Not a fit: Patients who have never been exposed to Staphylococcus aureus or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus, reducing infections and antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses can lead to breakthroughs in vaccine development, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- 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
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 below.