Viruses that break open bacteria to help fight infections
Bacteriophage strategies to lyse bacterial cells
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · NIH-11181621
This project looks at how bacteriophages — viruses that attack bacteria — break open bacterial cells to find new ways to treat bacterial infections, including antibiotic-resistant ones.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying the proteins phages use to punch holes and break apart bacterial cells so they can understand exactly how those processes work. They will combine lab experiments, biochemical tests, and sequence analysis to identify and characterize new lysis proteins from phages like T4 and others. The team will test these proteins in bacterial models to see how they disrupt cell envelopes, biofilms, or release toxins. This work is done in the laboratory and aims to reveal tools that might be developed into future treatments against tough bacterial infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with antibiotic-resistant or difficult-to-treat Gram-negative bacterial infections are the most likely future candidates to benefit from therapies developed from this work or to be eligible for later clinical trials.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research, people needing immediate treatment or those with non-bacterial illnesses will not receive direct benefit from this project today.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antibacterial therapies or enzyme-based treatments that help clear antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Phage therapy and phage-derived enzymes have shown promising results in some cases, but reliable strategies for attacking Gram-negative bacteria are less established and this work explores novel mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAMSEY, JOLENE — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RAMSEY, JOLENE
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections