Using antibodies to prevent and treat urinary tract infections
Harnessing Antibody Responses to Prevent and Treat Urinary Tract Infections
This study is working on a new vaccine that could help women who often get urinary tract infections by teaching their bodies to fight off the bacteria that cause these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10975366 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a vaccine that targets a specific protein called FimH, which is crucial for the bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) to attach to the bladder. By stimulating the body's immune response to produce antibodies against FimH, the goal is to prevent the bacteria from colonizing the bladder and causing infections. The study involves testing this approach in animal models and aims to translate these findings into a potential vaccine for women who suffer from recurrent UTIs. If successful, this could provide a new way to combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in UTI treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly those who have had multiple episodes in a year.
Not a fit: Patients who do not suffer from urinary tract infections or have never experienced recurrent UTIs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections in women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using FimH-targeted immunization in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
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.