# Molecular Microbiology of Enterotoxigenic E. coli Pathogen-Host Interactions

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $240,073

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This work focuses on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), globally the most common bacterial cause of
serious diarrheal illness. These illnesses threaten the lives of many children in poor regions of the world where
sanitation and clean water are limited. While some ETEC are clearly associated with development of cholera-
like diarrhea, basic molecular mechanisms underlying severe illness remain undefined. The long-term goal of
these studies is to address basic questions that can inform our understanding of acute illness and more
chronic sequelae that may impact or approach to development of vaccines for these organisms:
 “Why are individuals with blood group A more susceptible to severe infections cause by ETEC ?”
 “How does ETEC or its toxins alter intestinal surfaces to promote infection?”
 “Are ETEC particularly well-equipped to promote these interactions?”
 “Are there other antigens that interact with host cells to promote infections?”
Studies to date have shown us that the pathogenesis of ETEC infection is actually quite complicated,
potentially involving many proteins. Novel proteins that are not part of vaccines currently being tested could be
added to improve the coverage and function of these vaccines. Understanding disease susceptibility on a
molecular level can permit us to protect individuals at the highest risk.
Addressing these fundamental questions will fill important gaps in our understanding of ETEC interactions with
the intestine as well as cellular responses that develop following ETEC infections. Collectively these studies
should permit a more rational approach to development of a broadly protective vaccine for these pathogens of
global importance.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9926220
- **Project number:** 5R01AI126887-05
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** James Michael Fleckenstein
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $240,073
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-06-14 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9926220

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9926220, Molecular Microbiology of Enterotoxigenic E. coli Pathogen-Host Interactions (5R01AI126887-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9926220. Licensed CC0.

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