Understanding how the immune system responds to Clostridioides difficile infection
Official title: Project 3: Defining adaptive immune interactions that shape Clostridioides difficile infection
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11037959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some people who recover from a Clostridioides difficile infection don’t seem to build lasting immunity, and it aims to find ways to help protect those at higher risk from getting sick again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $254,991 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174998-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced Clostridioides difficile infections, particularly those who have had recurrent episodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never been infected with Clostridioides difficile or those with unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune response to Clostridioides difficile infection, focusing on why some patients do not develop lasting immunity after recovering from the infection. By analyzing patient samples and using a mouse model, the study aims to identify the immune parameters that contribute to effective immunity. The researchers will compare the ability of antibodies produced during infection to recognize and bind to the bacteria in the intestines, which is crucial for developing effective vaccines. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better prevention strategies for high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that provides lasting protection against Clostridioides difficile infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses can lead to successful vaccine development, but this specific approach to Clostridioides difficile is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abt, Michael C. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Abt, Michael C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how the immune system fights C. difficile to prevent recurrence
A new NIH grant is studying how the body’s own immune response to C. difficile infection might be boosted to prevent future outbreaks.
-
Impact of gut bile acids on C. difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease
This grant tests whether changes in gut microbes and their bile acids influence how likely people with inflammatory bowel disease are to get and how severe a C. difficile infection could be.
-
Role of gut bacteria in shaping C. difficile infection
Aims to map how the gut microbiome and its metabolic environment influence Clostridioides difficile infection in people and how we might prevent or treat it.
-
Detailed genetic look at C. difficile and the gut microbiome in infection and relapse
Researchers will sequence C. difficile and gut bacteria from thousands of patient stool samples to find genetic and microbial patterns linked to severe or recurring infections.
-
Multivalent vaccine to prevent C. difficile infection and recurrence
This project is developing a vaccine that teaches the immune system to neutralize C. difficile toxins and block the bacteria from coming back for people at risk of infection.
-
Gut-targeted antibiotics for C. difficile infection
Developing gut-targeted antibiotics to kill C. difficile while keeping healthy gut bacteria for people with recurrent C. difficile infections.
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.