Using endolysins to fight pneumococcal infections and improve immunity
Official title: Endolysins as tools to eradicate pneumococcal biofilms and development ofprotective immunity
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11042282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment using special enzymes to help fight off pneumonia-causing bacteria, especially in children and older adults, by making it easier for the body to clear infections and improve vaccine effectiveness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $879,588 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168313-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old and elderly individuals who are at higher risk for pneumococcal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for pneumococcal infections or those who do not have a history of respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment using endolysins, which are enzymes that can break down the protective barriers of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of these enzymes in killing bacteria and dispersing biofilms, which are clusters of bacteria that are difficult to treat. By investigating how these endolysins can stimulate the immune response, particularly in children and the elderly, the research seeks to create a more effective way to combat pneumococcal infections and improve vaccine responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pneumococcal infections and better vaccine responses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using bacteriophage endolysins to combat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Juarbe, Norberto — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Juarbe, Norberto
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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.