Vaccine to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa from taking hold
A prophylactic vaccine to prevent colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
This project is developing a vaccine to stop Pseudomonas aeruginosa from colonizing and causing infections in people at higher risk, like older adults and those with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work is designing a vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize two parts of the bacterium’s type III secretion “needle” (called PcrV and PopB) so the bacteria cannot inject toxins into our cells. Researchers will make vaccine components, test different adjuvants to boost immune responses, and use laboratory and preclinical models to see whether antibodies prevent colonization of airways or wounds. The team is especially focused on protection for groups who suffer the worst outcomes, including older adults, people with cystic fibrosis, and hospitalized or ventilated patients. If results look promising, the next steps would be safety testing and eventual clinical trials in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people at high risk for Pseudomonas infection such as individuals with cystic fibrosis, severe burns or chronic wounds, hospitalized or ventilated patients, and older adults.
Not a fit: People already chronically colonized with Pseudomonas or those who are severely immunocompromised and cannot mount a vaccine response may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could reduce Pseudomonas infections and lower antibiotic-resistant infections in high-risk patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other Pseudomonas vaccine efforts have been attempted but none are licensed, so targeting the type III secretion apparatus builds on prior work but remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Picking, Wendy L. — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Picking, Wendy L.
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.