Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus produces membrane vesicles in the body
Official title: In vivo production of Staphylococcus aureus extracellular membrane vesicles
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11262385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny bubbles made by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria during infections to understand how they help the bacteria avoid the immune system and make people sick, which could lead to better ways to treat tough infections that don't respond to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI180326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those that are resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those who do not have Staphylococcus aureus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the production of extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus during infections. By using animal models, the study aims to characterize how these vesicles contribute to the bacteria's ability to evade the immune system and cause disease. The researchers will analyze the composition of these vesicles and their role in the pathogenesis of infections, which could lead to new insights into treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the production of membrane vesicles by Staphylococcus aureus has been studied in vitro, this research aims to explore their in vivo relevance, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaogang — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaogang
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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.