NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding immune responses to Klebsiella pneumoniae O-antigens

Official title: Immune recognition of Klebsiella pneumoniae O2v1 and O2v2 O-antigen subtypes

Funded at Washington University · NIH-10892859 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our immune system reacts to different types of a germ called Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can cause serious infections, to see if knowing about one type can help protect us from another, and this could help in making better vaccines against tough-to-treat infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$194,375
NIH project number5R21AI166090-02
Project IDNIH-10892859 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, such as hospitalized patients or those with weakened immune systems.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not at risk for Klebsiella pneumoniae infections or those who do not have a compromised immune system may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the immune system recognizes different subtypes of the O-antigen from Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that can cause serious infections. By studying the immune responses elicited by the O2v1 and O2v2 subtypes, the research aims to determine how these variations affect bacterial fitness and the body's susceptibility to infections. The project will also explore whether exposure to one subtype can provide protection against the other, which is crucial for developing effective vaccines against antibiotic-resistant strains of this bacterium.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of vaccines that effectively protect against Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, particularly those that are resistant to antibiotics.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Washington University
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rosen, David a. — Washington University
  • Study coordinator: Rosen, David a.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.