Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus manipulates host cells

The Molecular Basis of Staphylococcus aureus SplB manipulation of the host

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11102807

This study is looking at how a common bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, uses certain proteins to affect our body's cells during an infection, and it's aimed at helping researchers find new ways to treat these infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11102807 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus uses specific proteins, known as serine proteases-like (SplA-F), to manipulate host cell functions during infection. The team will explore the unique mechanisms of these proteins, particularly focusing on SplB, which is highly expressed in the bacteria. Using advanced techniques like NMR, they aim to identify how SplB interacts with host proteins and the conformational changes that activate its function. This could lead to a better understanding of bacterial infections and potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are infected with Staphylococcus aureus or are at high risk of such infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with Staphylococcus aureus or do not have a history of related infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent Staphylococcus aureus from evading the immune system and causing infections.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of Spl proteins are being explored in this research, similar studies on bacterial virulence factors have shown promise in understanding and treating infections.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.