Ongoing Research Support
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Grant 1R01AI162948-01A1. PI: Jarrod Mousa. 12/2022-11/2027.
Mechanistic studies of broadly reactive human antibodies for the treatment and prevention of pneumococcal infection.
Role on grant: Co-I.
Goal: To develop human monoclonal antibodies against immunogenic proteins and assess their efficacy to treat pneumococcal disease.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Grant 1R21AI151571. PIs: Vidal/Eichenbaum/Akerley 03/2021-03/2024 (no cost)
Hemoglobin-induced virulence in S. pneumoniae
Role on grant: Contact PI of the MPI application
Goal: We will identify a S. pneumoniae receptor(s) for human hemoglobin and its downstream signaling cascade leading to formation of biofilms, colonization, and invasion of human lung cells.
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Molecular Center of Health and Disease (MCHD)-COBRE (Phase I) 12/2022-11/2027
Molecular characterization of heme-carrying proteins targeted by S. pneumoniae-produced hydrogen peroxide to induce cell death
PAR19-313 (Project #3: Vidal)
Project #3 budget $1,356,250
Goal: We will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanism, induced by hydrogen peroxide, leading to the pathophysiology of Spn lung disease.
4, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Grant R01 AI175461-01A1 PI: Jorge Vidal 09/2023-08/2028
The oxidation of heme-carrying proteins in the pathophysiology of pneumococcal disease
Budget: $1,958,000
We will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to the oxidation of heme-carrying proteins and the consequences of such oxidative reactions in the pathophysiology of Spn disease.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Past Research Support
Title: Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo (CE01-300, Oral formulation).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator
Sponsor: Cempra Pharmaceuticals Inc. (05/2012-12/2015).
Budget: $206,295.
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo. Global clinical trial currently in phase 3.
Title: “In vitro antibacterial assessment of extract PM 13-309 against Streptococcus pneumoniae”
Role on grant: Principal investigator 10/2014-09/2016
Sponsor: Bionorica (http://english.bionorica.de/)
Budget: $27,838.
We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of PM13-309 against pneumococcal biofilms made on human pharyngeal cells.
Title: Epidemiological evidences of the role of PspA in pneumococcal disease in Pakistan.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator 05/01/2015-04/30/2016.
Sponsor: International Research Support Initiative Program, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Budget: $3500.
To investigate using molecular technology the epidemiology of PspA-producing pneumococcal strains isolated in Pakistan, included serotypes and PspA types, and evaluate its potential as a vaccine antigen.
Title: Molecular detection and quantification of pneumococcal serotypes in the nasopharynx of children: worldwide evaluation of the pneumococcal vaccine efficacy.
Sponsor(s): Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (01/2014-12/2016).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator
Emory budget: $255,184.
To establish the most appropriate microbiological methodology to support the use of pneumococcal carriage studies for monitoring PCV impact and serotype replacement in low-income countries. My laboratory is finishing developing qPCR assays for all knows serotypes.
Title: Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo (CE01-301, IV formulation).
Sponsor: Cempra pharmaceuticals Inc. (11/2013-12/2016).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator.
Budget: $339,763.
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo. Global clinical trial currently in phase 3.
Title: Understanding pneumococcal evolution to evade vaccination in developing countries through whole genome sequence analysis.
Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 10/2011-12/2017
Role: Co-I (PIs-Klugman, Breiman, McGee)
Budget: $4,985,537.
This project did sequence S. pneumoniae strains isolated pre- and post-PCV7 vaccination to identify the evolution and gene arrangement of strains that have persisted in the human population.
Title: “Population Genetics and Evolution of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria” (PI: Levin, B)
Supplement under the specific program “Recruitment and Retention to Enhance Diversity” to support a postdoc belonging to underrepresented minority groups, Dr. Jennifer Concepcion-Acevedo.
Role on grant: Co-I (co-Mentor for Jeny’s postdoc training and research program)
Sponsor: NIH
Budget: $70,000.
Title: “Population Dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae Vaccine Serotypes on Human Pharyngeal Cells”
Sponsor: NIH (R21) (09/01/2015-08/31/2018).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator.
Budget: $ 429,000.
The goal of this proposal was to understand population dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains when they colonize the human nasopharynx and study recombination in the nasopharyngeal environment.
Title: Impact of PCV13 on Disease and Colonization among Native American Communities - Phase II
Role on grant: Principal Investigator of subcontract to Emory. Sponsor: Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 02/2018-09/2018.
Budget: $105,000.
We conducted studies to evaluate the impact of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on pneumococcal carriage. Dr. Vidal leads the laboratory component that characterized serotype-specific pneumococcal carriage, provided scientific expertise for interpretation of the laboratory data and collaborated on manuscript preparation for dissemination of study results.
Title: Dissemination of macrolide resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator with Dr. Yih-Ling Tzeng (SOM).
Sponsor: Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University. 10/2017-11/2018.
Budget: $100,000.
We will study the mechanism of transference of Mega elements encoding efflux pumps and integrative and conjugative element (ICE) encoding erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae strains, using a life-like model of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal recombination.
Title: FDA-validation studies for qPCR lytA data generated within the Nabriva phase III clinical trials.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator.
Sponsor: Nabriva Pharmaceuticals Inc. (10/2018-12/2018).
Budget: $37,000.
We are conducting validation studies for the nasopharyngeal detection of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of CABP patients. Studies will be presented to the FDA by the sponsor.
Title: Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains within a phase III clinical trial of community-acquired pneumonia indication for delafloxacin.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Melinta Pharmaceuticals Inc. (05/2016-04/2019).
Budget: $441,894. (Indirect at 39%).
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with delafloxacin or placebo.
Title: Validation of a TaqMan array card for serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae and its use in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 05/2017-06/2019
Budget: $ 495,000 (a supplement of $35,000 was granted on 09/2018 for a total of $530,000).
Two TaqMan array cards (pneumoTACs) were developed and used for the detection of 94 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), and other features including presence of nine antibiotic resistance markers and pilus genes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from confirmed pneumococcal meningitis cases.
Title: Nutritional immunoregulation protection against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator with Dr. Chris LaRock (SOM).
Sponsor: Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University. 10/2018-09/2019.
Budget: $100,000.
This proposal will focus on expanding our understanding of how antimicrobial peptides act during infections by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of community acquired pneumonia and meningitis
Title: Nabriva phase III clinical trial of the efficacy of Lefamulin to treat community-acquired pneumonia, Oral Formulation.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Nabriva Pharmaceuticals Inc. (03/2016-02/2021).
Budget: $348,126. (Indirect at 39%).
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia.
Title: Nabriva phase III clinical trial of the efficacy of Lefamulin to treat community-acquired pneumonia, IV formulation.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Nabriva Pharmaceuticals Inc. (03/2016-02/2021).
Budget: $190,734 (Indirect at 39%).
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia.
Title: “Dissemination of macrolide resistance elements in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Role on grant: Contac PI with Yih-Ling Tzeng and David Stephens from Emory University School of Medicine.
Sponsor: NIH (R21). (04/2019-03/2022).
Budget: $ 450,000.
We will find new insights about the mechanism by which the pneumococcus acquire resistance to macrolides in the human nasopharynx.
Genetic Evolution of Pneumococci Following Uptake of PCV Vaccination in South India
Role on Grant: Co-Investigator, (PIs: Anand/Robinson)
Sponsor: Pfizer Inc.,
Budget: $100,000
The goal of this project is to gain understanding of the genetic evolution of IPD-causing pneumococcal populations coincident with PCV vaccination in Vellore.
Title: An observational study to determine the serotype epidemiology of complicated pneumococcal pneumonia in children
Role on grant: Co-Investigator (PI: Satzke, MCRI, Australia). Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (MSD). (01/2021-01/2023).
Budget: $ 359,173.
We will investigate the etiology of empyema and identify the prevalence of S. pneumoniae serotypes, particularly serotype 3 strains, in the disease.
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Grant 1R01AI162948-01A1. PI: Jarrod Mousa. 12/2022-11/2027.
Mechanistic studies of broadly reactive human antibodies for the treatment and prevention of pneumococcal infection.
Role on grant: Co-I.
Goal: To develop human monoclonal antibodies against immunogenic proteins and assess their efficacy to treat pneumococcal disease.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Grant 1R21AI151571. PIs: Vidal/Eichenbaum/Akerley 03/2021-03/2024 (no cost)
Hemoglobin-induced virulence in S. pneumoniae
Role on grant: Contact PI of the MPI application
Goal: We will identify a S. pneumoniae receptor(s) for human hemoglobin and its downstream signaling cascade leading to formation of biofilms, colonization, and invasion of human lung cells.
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Molecular Center of Health and Disease (MCHD)-COBRE (Phase I) 12/2022-11/2027
Molecular characterization of heme-carrying proteins targeted by S. pneumoniae-produced hydrogen peroxide to induce cell death
PAR19-313 (Project #3: Vidal)
Project #3 budget $1,356,250
Goal: We will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanism, induced by hydrogen peroxide, leading to the pathophysiology of Spn lung disease.
4, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Grant R01 AI175461-01A1 PI: Jorge Vidal 09/2023-08/2028
The oxidation of heme-carrying proteins in the pathophysiology of pneumococcal disease
Budget: $1,958,000
We will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to the oxidation of heme-carrying proteins and the consequences of such oxidative reactions in the pathophysiology of Spn disease.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Past Research Support
Title: Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo (CE01-300, Oral formulation).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator
Sponsor: Cempra Pharmaceuticals Inc. (05/2012-12/2015).
Budget: $206,295.
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo. Global clinical trial currently in phase 3.
Title: “In vitro antibacterial assessment of extract PM 13-309 against Streptococcus pneumoniae”
Role on grant: Principal investigator 10/2014-09/2016
Sponsor: Bionorica (http://english.bionorica.de/)
Budget: $27,838.
We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of PM13-309 against pneumococcal biofilms made on human pharyngeal cells.
Title: Epidemiological evidences of the role of PspA in pneumococcal disease in Pakistan.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator 05/01/2015-04/30/2016.
Sponsor: International Research Support Initiative Program, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Budget: $3500.
To investigate using molecular technology the epidemiology of PspA-producing pneumococcal strains isolated in Pakistan, included serotypes and PspA types, and evaluate its potential as a vaccine antigen.
Title: Molecular detection and quantification of pneumococcal serotypes in the nasopharynx of children: worldwide evaluation of the pneumococcal vaccine efficacy.
Sponsor(s): Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (01/2014-12/2016).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator
Emory budget: $255,184.
To establish the most appropriate microbiological methodology to support the use of pneumococcal carriage studies for monitoring PCV impact and serotype replacement in low-income countries. My laboratory is finishing developing qPCR assays for all knows serotypes.
Title: Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo (CE01-301, IV formulation).
Sponsor: Cempra pharmaceuticals Inc. (11/2013-12/2016).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator.
Budget: $339,763.
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with Solithromycin or placebo. Global clinical trial currently in phase 3.
Title: Understanding pneumococcal evolution to evade vaccination in developing countries through whole genome sequence analysis.
Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 10/2011-12/2017
Role: Co-I (PIs-Klugman, Breiman, McGee)
Budget: $4,985,537.
This project did sequence S. pneumoniae strains isolated pre- and post-PCV7 vaccination to identify the evolution and gene arrangement of strains that have persisted in the human population.
Title: “Population Genetics and Evolution of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria” (PI: Levin, B)
Supplement under the specific program “Recruitment and Retention to Enhance Diversity” to support a postdoc belonging to underrepresented minority groups, Dr. Jennifer Concepcion-Acevedo.
Role on grant: Co-I (co-Mentor for Jeny’s postdoc training and research program)
Sponsor: NIH
Budget: $70,000.
Title: “Population Dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae Vaccine Serotypes on Human Pharyngeal Cells”
Sponsor: NIH (R21) (09/01/2015-08/31/2018).
Role on grant: Principal Investigator.
Budget: $ 429,000.
The goal of this proposal was to understand population dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains when they colonize the human nasopharynx and study recombination in the nasopharyngeal environment.
Title: Impact of PCV13 on Disease and Colonization among Native American Communities - Phase II
Role on grant: Principal Investigator of subcontract to Emory. Sponsor: Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 02/2018-09/2018.
Budget: $105,000.
We conducted studies to evaluate the impact of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on pneumococcal carriage. Dr. Vidal leads the laboratory component that characterized serotype-specific pneumococcal carriage, provided scientific expertise for interpretation of the laboratory data and collaborated on manuscript preparation for dissemination of study results.
Title: Dissemination of macrolide resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator with Dr. Yih-Ling Tzeng (SOM).
Sponsor: Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University. 10/2017-11/2018.
Budget: $100,000.
We will study the mechanism of transference of Mega elements encoding efflux pumps and integrative and conjugative element (ICE) encoding erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae strains, using a life-like model of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal recombination.
Title: FDA-validation studies for qPCR lytA data generated within the Nabriva phase III clinical trials.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator.
Sponsor: Nabriva Pharmaceuticals Inc. (10/2018-12/2018).
Budget: $37,000.
We are conducting validation studies for the nasopharyngeal detection of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of CABP patients. Studies will be presented to the FDA by the sponsor.
Title: Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains within a phase III clinical trial of community-acquired pneumonia indication for delafloxacin.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Melinta Pharmaceuticals Inc. (05/2016-04/2019).
Budget: $441,894. (Indirect at 39%).
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia treated with delafloxacin or placebo.
Title: Validation of a TaqMan array card for serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae and its use in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 05/2017-06/2019
Budget: $ 495,000 (a supplement of $35,000 was granted on 09/2018 for a total of $530,000).
Two TaqMan array cards (pneumoTACs) were developed and used for the detection of 94 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), and other features including presence of nine antibiotic resistance markers and pilus genes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from confirmed pneumococcal meningitis cases.
Title: Nutritional immunoregulation protection against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator with Dr. Chris LaRock (SOM).
Sponsor: Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University. 10/2018-09/2019.
Budget: $100,000.
This proposal will focus on expanding our understanding of how antimicrobial peptides act during infections by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of community acquired pneumonia and meningitis
Title: Nabriva phase III clinical trial of the efficacy of Lefamulin to treat community-acquired pneumonia, Oral Formulation.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Nabriva Pharmaceuticals Inc. (03/2016-02/2021).
Budget: $348,126. (Indirect at 39%).
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia.
Title: Nabriva phase III clinical trial of the efficacy of Lefamulin to treat community-acquired pneumonia, IV formulation.
Role on grant: Principal Investigator. Sponsor: Nabriva Pharmaceuticals Inc. (03/2016-02/2021).
Budget: $190,734 (Indirect at 39%).
Detection and quantification of S. pneumoniae strains in the nasopharynx of adults with community-acquired pneumonia.
Title: “Dissemination of macrolide resistance elements in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Role on grant: Contac PI with Yih-Ling Tzeng and David Stephens from Emory University School of Medicine.
Sponsor: NIH (R21). (04/2019-03/2022).
Budget: $ 450,000.
We will find new insights about the mechanism by which the pneumococcus acquire resistance to macrolides in the human nasopharynx.
Genetic Evolution of Pneumococci Following Uptake of PCV Vaccination in South India
Role on Grant: Co-Investigator, (PIs: Anand/Robinson)
Sponsor: Pfizer Inc.,
Budget: $100,000
The goal of this project is to gain understanding of the genetic evolution of IPD-causing pneumococcal populations coincident with PCV vaccination in Vellore.
Title: An observational study to determine the serotype epidemiology of complicated pneumococcal pneumonia in children
Role on grant: Co-Investigator (PI: Satzke, MCRI, Australia). Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (MSD). (01/2021-01/2023).
Budget: $ 359,173.
We will investigate the etiology of empyema and identify the prevalence of S. pneumoniae serotypes, particularly serotype 3 strains, in the disease.