Award
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 1R21AI185249-01A1
Characterizing an alternative genetic pathway critical for the virulence of Brucella
Recipient
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Award Amount
$421,560.00
Ceiling
$421,560.00
Awarded
June 16, 2026
Identifier
1R21AI185249-01A1
This NIH R21 grant funds research to characterize a genetic pathway critical for Brucella virulence, aiming to develop new vaccines or therapies against Brucella infections.
Description
The proposed research aims to define a novel genetic pathway in Brucella that may be targeted for vaccine and/or therapeutic development. The research focuses on the transcriptional regulator VtlR, which is essential for Brucella virulence. Preliminary work suggests that VtlR senses oxidative stress through two critical cysteine residues, regulating genes necessary for infection. The study will test this hypothesis and explore the potential for new therapeutic and vaccine strategies.