Using antibodies to prevent and treat bladder infections
Harnessing Antibody Responses to Prevent and Treat Urinary Tract Infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11257271
This project uses antibody and vaccine-style approaches to help people—especially women—who get frequent urinary tract infections from E. coli.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11257271 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and often come back, and this work focuses on immune approaches to stop those repeat infections. The team targets a bacterial protein called FimH that E. coli uses to stick to and invade the bladder, and they study antibody responses that block that step. Much of the work builds on animal and monkey models where FimH immunization prevented bladder infection, while the researchers characterize antibodies that could be used for prevention or treatment. The goal is to move toward immune-based options that reduce reliance on antibiotics and lower recurrent UTIs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are those (especially women) with recurrent UTIs caused by uropathogenic E. coli who are interested in vaccine or antibody-based prevention or therapy.
Not a fit: Patients whose infections are caused by bacteria other than E. coli, those with rare FimH-mutant strains, or people with noninfectious urinary problems are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could cut down recurrent UTIs, reduce the need for antibiotics, and lower antibiotic resistance risk.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice and monkeys showed protection from bladder infection after FimH immunization, but effectiveness in humans has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAU, ANDREW LEON — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KAU, ANDREW LEON
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.