Understanding how the nervous system affects immunity to C. difficile infections
Official title: Nervous system control of immunity to C. difficile
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10892834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nervous system affects the immune response to Clostridioides difficile infections, which can cause serious problems in hospitals, to find better ways to help patients who keep getting these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $342,524 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI174994-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have experienced recurrent C. difficile infections or are at high risk due to factors like antibiotic use or inflammatory bowel disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never had a C. difficile infection or those with unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the nervous system and the immune response to Clostridioides difficile infections, which are a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. The study aims to uncover how C. difficile evades the immune system and why some patients experience recurrent infections. By examining the role of sensory and adrenergic nerves in the gut and lymphoid organs, the researchers hope to identify new treatment strategies that enhance immune responses against this pathogen. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies and prevention methods for C. difficile infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response to C. difficile, reducing the incidence of recurrent infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking nervous system function to immunity in C. difficile is novel, there is growing evidence that similar mechanisms have been successful in other infectious diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Maureen — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cox, Maureen
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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.