Vaccine using tiny bacterial outer membrane particles to protect children from E. coli diarrhea
Development of an ETEC multivalent subunit vaccine using outer membrane vesicles
['FUNDING_R21'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11291874
A new multivalent vaccine aims to protect young children from enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) diarrhea by generating antibodies in the gut that block toxins and bacterial attachment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291874 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project is developing a multivalent vaccine that uses outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) to deliver toxoid and colonization-factor components so the immune system makes protective gut antibodies. The team will combine antigens that target the heat-stable (ST) and heat-labile (LT) toxins plus colonization factors to broaden protection. Early lab and preclinical work will test whether immunization with OMV-adjuvanted antigens produces antibodies that neutralize toxins and prevent bacterial attachment to the intestine. If promising, the approach could move toward human testing focused on children in low-resource settings who suffer the most severe ETEC diarrhea.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual target population would be young children, especially those under five years old in low-resource settings who are at high risk for ETEC diarrhea.
Not a fit: People with diarrheal illness caused by other pathogens or individuals with certain severe immune deficiencies may not benefit from this vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine could reduce severe, toxin-driven diarrheal illness in young children and lower hospitalizations and deaths from ETEC.
How similar studies have performed: Previous ETEC vaccine work targeting colonization factors and LT showed some promise, but broad protection including ST is an unmet need and OMV-based multivalent vaccines are a newer strategy.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BITOUN, JACOB P. — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: BITOUN, JACOB P.
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.