Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus produces membrane vesicles in the body

In vivo production of Staphylococcus aureus extracellular membrane vesicles

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11262385

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-11262385 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those that are resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those who do not have Staphylococcus aureus infections may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Blacksburg, 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.
Conditions bacterial disease treatment
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.