A new DNA vaccine to protect against Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.
Official title: Integrin activator-adjuvanted DNA vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Funded at 7 Hills Pharma, LLC · NIH-10875593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new DNA vaccine to help protect people from Chagas disease, especially those traveling to areas where the disease is common, by boosting their immune system to fight off the parasite that causes it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | 7 Hills Pharma, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $997,867 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI172437-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults traveling to regions where Chagas disease is endemic or those who may have been exposed to Trypanosoma cruzi.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Chagas disease or those who have severe allergic reactions to vaccine components may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a DNA vaccine aimed at preventing Chagas disease, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The vaccine is designed to enhance the immune response by using integrin activators to improve T cell interactions with antigen-presenting cells. By inducing a strong immune response, the goal is to provide protection for individuals at risk of infection, particularly those traveling to endemic areas. The research has shown promising results in preclinical models, indicating potential effectiveness in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a preventive vaccine for Chagas disease, significantly reducing the risk of infection for travelers and at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar vaccine approaches in enhancing immune responses against infectious diseases, indicating a promising avenue for this novel vaccine.
Where this research is happening
-
7 Hills Pharma, LLC
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marathi, Upendra — 7 Hills Pharma, LLC
- Study coordinator: Marathi, Upendra
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.