A new approach to protect against Lyme disease by targeting both the tick and the bacteria

Multivalent Tick-Microbe targeted Lyme disease vaccines

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11105903

This project is creating a new type of vaccine to protect people from Lyme disease by focusing on both the ticks that carry the disease and the bacteria that cause it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105903 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Lyme disease is a common tick-borne infection that affects many people each year, and current treatments don't always prevent long-term symptoms. This work aims to develop a novel vaccine that combines protective elements from both the Lyme disease bacteria and the ticks that spread it. By targeting both the pathogen and its carrier, we hope to create a more effective way to prevent infection. This vaccine uses a well-established viral system to deliver these protective components, offering a new strategy against this challenging disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is ultimately intended for individuals at risk of Lyme disease, particularly those living in areas where tick exposure is common.

Not a fit: Patients who have already developed chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome may not directly benefit from this preventative vaccine.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine could offer a new and more effective way to prevent Lyme disease, potentially reducing the number of new cases and the risk of chronic symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While previous efforts have aimed at Lyme disease prevention, this approach of combining tick and microbe antigens in a multivalent vaccine is a novel strategy.

Where this research is happening

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.