Understanding how the body protects itself from infections
Official title: Immunometabolic Mechanisms of Protection against Infection
Funded at Nimml Institute, INC. · NIH-11058208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's immune system fights off infections, especially from a harmful germ called Clostridioides difficile, to find new ways to treat infections without using regular antibiotics, which could help patients get better faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nimml Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $171,254 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI182927-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from Clostridioides difficile infections or those with autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections not related to Clostridioides difficile or those who do not have autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immunometabolic mechanisms that help the body defend against infections, particularly focusing on Clostridioides difficile, a harmful bacterium. The team at the NIMML Institute is exploring how these mechanisms can influence disease severity and treatment outcomes in both infectious and autoimmune diseases. By examining how bacterial toxins affect cells, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that do not rely on traditional antibiotics. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for infections that do not rely on antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in exploring immunometabolic pathways, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Nimml Institute, INC.
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hontecillas, Raquel — Nimml Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hontecillas, Raquel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How immune-cell metabolism can block C. difficile toxin damage
Trying to see whether turning on certain immune-related metabolic pathways can stop C. difficile toxins from harming gut cells in people with C. difficile infection.
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.