H.A.L.T - UTI (LacThera)
Designing the next generation of live therapeutics to prevent recurrent UTIs.
View the full iGEM wiki ↗Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) drive repeated courses of antibiotics that damage the very microbial communities that normally keep infection at bay. For 2025, Prairie iGEM set out to change the strategy: instead of clearing bacteria out, restore the good ones. LacThera engineers Lactobacillus — the genus that naturally dominates a healthy vaginal microbiome — to interrupt the molecular tools pathogens rely on during infection. The project pairs computational protein design, wet-lab characterization, and human-practices work focused on women's health.
The problem
Recurrent UTIs mean repeated antibiotic use, which disrupts the vaginal microbiome and accelerates antimicrobial resistance — without actually solving the underlying susceptibility.
Why it matters
UTIs disproportionately affect women and rank among the most common reasons for prescribing antibiotics.
Our approach
Engineer Lactobacillus strains to express molecules that block pathogen virulence factors, so the resident microbiome can keep its protective role without being wiped out by antibiotics. Combine computational protein design with wet-lab characterization, plus stakeholder engagement with clinicians and patients.
Outcomes
- Silver Medal at the 2025 iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris
- Integrated computational + wet-lab pipeline for engineered live therapeutics
- Community conversations around women's health and antimicrobial resistance
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