Understanding PNAG sugar patterns to create better vaccines against bacterial infections
Deciphering the amine/acetylation code of PNAG through comprehensive libraries of synthetic oligosaccharides for effective anti-microbial vaccines
['FUNDING_R01'] · MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11230222
This project tests different PNAG sugar pieces attached to a carrier to help the immune system fight many antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11230222 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will make a library of synthetic PNAG sugar pieces that vary in their amine and acetylation patterns to find which shapes trigger the strongest antibody responses. They will attach these sugars to a powerful carrier (a modified bacteriophage Qβ) and vary linkers, antigen density, and adjuvants to optimize the vaccine design. Promising vaccine candidates will be tested in mice and rabbits to measure antibody production and protection against PNAG-bearing bacteria. The interdisciplinary team combines carbohydrate chemistry, microbiology, and vaccinology to move the best candidates toward future human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit in the future would include those at high risk for bacterial infections, such as older adults, people with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised individuals, and patients with frequent hospital exposure.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or infections caused by bacteria that do not display PNAG are unlikely to benefit from a PNAG-targeted vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to vaccines that prevent infections from a broad range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and antibody research targeting PNAG have shown protective effects, but no broadly effective PNAG vaccine is yet approved for use in people.
Where this research is happening
EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES
- MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUANG, XUEFEI — MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HUANG, XUEFEI
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 below.