Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have introduced a groundbreaking presurgical vaccine strategy that could significantly reduce the risk of infections in patients undergoing hip, knee, and other joint replacement surgeries. On December 1, 2025, findings from the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlighted the potential of a new injectable scaffold designed to stimulate the immune system and combat infections caused by bacteria, including the notorious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
The multidisciplinary effort was led by Alexander Tatara, M.D., Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at UT Southwestern, in collaboration with David Mooney, Ph.D., a Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University. The researchers developed a scaffold that acts as a form of immunotherapy, targeting infections that pose a significant threat to orthopedic devices. According to Dr. Tatara, orthopedic surgeons perform more than one million knee and hip replacements annually in the U.S., with 2% to 3% of these procedures resulting in infections.
Infections often occur when bacteria adhere to the surface of the artificial joint, forming a protective layer known as biofilm. This biofilm complicates treatment efforts, as it is resistant to most antibiotics. “Recovery from these infections can take up to a year and may require multiple surgeries,” Dr. Tatara noted. The innovative scaffold vaccine aims to enhance the body’s immune response prior to surgery, potentially preventing biofilm formation.
The scaffold vaccination utilizes a three-dimensional framework composed of biocompatible materials such as cryogels or silica rods, which are infused with bacterial antigens. This design encourages immune cells to recognize and attack harmful bacteria. In animal models, the scaffold-based vaccine demonstrated an ability to reduce bacterial levels over 100 times more effectively than traditional soluble vaccine formulations.
“Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, novel treatments that do not rely on conventional antibiotics are crucial,” Dr. Tatara emphasized. The scaffold serves as a temporary platform that concentrates immune activity, preparing the body to fend off infections before surgery. This proactive approach is particularly beneficial for patients at higher risk of complications.
Dr. Tatara, who joined UT Southwestern from Harvard in 2024, is establishing a new program focused on immunoengineering, which looks to develop biomaterials and immunotherapies to prevent and treat medical device infections. He conducted this research while collaborating with teams at Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
“This study exemplifies our commitment to bridging clinical care and research to enhance patient outcomes,” Dr. Tatara stated. The research received funding from various prestigious organizations, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.
As researchers continue to explore the full potential of this innovative vaccine strategy, the hope is to translate these laboratory findings into practical solutions for patients relying on orthopedic implants. The ultimate goal is to minimize infection rates and improve the quality of life for countless individuals undergoing joint replacement surgeries.
