ELLA: Exploring Lactobacilli for Localized Applications.
Description: Despite major advances in medicine, common vaginal health issues—such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, preterm birth, and vaginal atrophy during menopause—remain largely unaddressed. These conditions affect millions of women worldwide, place a heavy burden on healthcare systems, and are exacerbated by antibiotic misuse, which fuels antimicrobial resistance. The vaginal microbiota, particularly lactobacilli, play a crucial role in maintaining health, yet their full potential remains underexplored. ELLA aims to unlock the hidden capabilities of vaginal lactobacilli to transform women's health. Beyond producing lactic acid, these bacteria act as a "micropharmacy"—synthesizing bio-active molecules that could be harnessed for novel diagnostics and treatments. By integrating cutting-edge techniques such as culturomics, metabolomics, and bioengineered microbe-host models, ELLA will deepen our understanding of how lactobacilli contribute to health and disease. By bridging innovation gaps, ELLA paves the way for microbiome-based breakthroughs that could revolutionize gynecological care. This project represents a crucial step toward personalized, microbiome-driven solutions that empower women throughout different life stages.
Funder: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: FWO research project (including WEAVE projects)
Start date: 2025-07-01
End date: 2029-06-30
Investigator: Sarah Lebeer
Institution: UAntwerpen
Funded outputs count: 2
Funder award ID: G0ATZ25N
OpenAlex ID: G4310951264