A new approach to enhance vaccine effectiveness using a specific small molecule.
Official title: A Novel Vaccine Adjuvant KOR-selective Small Molecule Agonist
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11123098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new small molecule that could help vaccines work better by boosting your immune response, especially for fighting infections and cancer, so you might get more protection from the vaccines you receive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,490 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176018-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are receiving vaccines for infectious diseases or cancer treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving vaccinations or those with contraindications to vaccine administration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel small molecule that acts as an adjuvant to improve vaccine responses. By targeting the skin, the study aims to create an optimal immune environment that enhances the activation of T cells and antibody responses against infections and cancer. The approach involves screening existing compounds to identify those that can boost immune responses when used with vaccines, particularly focusing on a specific molecule known as GR89696. Patients may benefit from improved vaccine efficacy, leading to better protection against diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that provide stronger protection against infections and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using small molecules as adjuvants, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: You, Zhaoyang — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: You, Zhaoyang
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.