Award
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 5R21AI182112-02
Mechanistic Studies of the Role of Genetic Factors in VlsE Antigenic Variation by the Lyme Disease Spirochete
Recipient
Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
Award Amount
$229,500.00
Ceiling
$229,500.00
Awarded
January 08, 2026
Identifier
5R21AI182112-02
This NIH grant supports mechanistic studies on genetic factors influencing VlsE antigenic variation in Lyme disease spirochete to advance understanding of immune evasion and aid in prevention and treatment strategies.
Description
A research project to determine the mechanism of VlsE antigenic variation and implications of surface antigen protection promoted by the VlsE lipoprotein in Borrelia burgdorferi, focusing on cis-acting factors involved in vlsE expression and gene conversion.