# Vaccine-mediated control of bacterial virulence regulation and infection

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · 2021 · $383,039

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: Staphylococcus aureus (SA), including methicillin-resistant (MRSA), is
the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) in the US. SA causes recurrent
infections, particularly in highly susceptible patient populations with reduced immune function. To
date, no vaccine to prevent SA infection has succeeded in human trials. Meanwhile, the need for
a vaccine continues to escalate, as does the ability of this pathogen to acquire antibiotic
resistance. We have developed a novel vaccine to control regulation of SA virulence factor
production. In models of skin infection, this vaccine induces antibodies that prevent activation of
this regulator system and protect against invasive infection. In this proposal, we aim to evaluate
the preclinical potential of this vaccine strategy. We will determine vaccine efficacy in multiple
models of SA infection as well as models of reduced immune function. Our results could lay the
groundwork for development of an efficacious vaccine to prevent SA infection and limit
pathogenesis. This vaccine could significantly improve the health of patients who suffer from
invasive SA infections.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10079467
- **Project number:** 5R01AI145324-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Pamela Ranel Hall
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $383,039
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-01-01 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10079467

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10079467, Vaccine-mediated control of bacterial virulence regulation and infection (5R01AI145324-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10079467. Licensed CC0.

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