Using engineered probiotics to block harmful toxins from C. difficile.
Official title: Neutralizing C. difficile toxicity with probiotics that secrete rationally-designed inhibitory peptides.
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11074980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for Clostridioides difficile infections that uses specially designed probiotic yeast to help neutralize the harmful toxins causing your gut issues, offering a potentially better and gentler option than regular antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $709,629 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI177728-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing recurrent or severe C. difficile infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have C. difficile infections or those with other gastrointestinal disorders unrelated to this pathogen may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), which cause severe gastrointestinal issues. The approach involves engineering probiotic yeast to deliver specially designed peptides that neutralize the harmful toxins produced by C. difficile. By targeting these toxins directly, the treatment aims to restore balance in the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. Patients may benefit from a more effective and less invasive alternative to traditional antibiotic therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from C. difficile infections, potentially reducing the severity and duration of their symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biotherapeutics to combat C. difficile, but this specific approach using engineered probiotics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crook, Nathan C. — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Crook, Nathan C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Brewing anti-toxin drugs using probiotic yeast
A studying team will develop probiotic yeast–based anti-toxin drugs to help treat gut bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic-related complications.
-
Small Ruminant Therapeutic Center to Speed Safe Drugs for Sheep and Goats
A pilot project at a university will help scientists and veterinarians speed up and improve how drugs are tested and approved for sheep and goats.
-
Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
-
Understanding how Fe/2OG enzymes make pharmacophores like cyclopropane, aziridine, and isonitrile groups
A research project at a university aims to uncover how nonheme-iron enzymes create key drug-building rings and groups to help develop better biocatalysts and medicines.
-
Hemostatic B-knob Microgels for Pediatric Bleeding
A kid-friendly hemostatic therapy using age-tuned microgels to stop dangerous bleeding after injury in children.
-
How cyanotoxins may harm nerve cells in ALS
This grant studies how shared toxins from cyanobacteria might worsen nerve damage in people with ALS.
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.