A new nasal vaccine idea to boost TB protection
Official title: A Novel Th17-Inducing Mucosal Vaccine for Tuberculosis
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11451574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new mucosal vaccine approach using a Th17-focused immune strategy with a nasal nanoemulsion adjuvant aims to improve protection against tuberculosis for adults who are BCG-vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,229,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI202795-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older, including those with prior BCG vaccination or with BCG vaccination history, who are eligible for early-phase TB vaccine development studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TB exposure risk or those unable to participate in intranasal vaccine studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to translate a Th17-based mucosal vaccine strategy into an effective TB vaccine that can augment protection beyond the current BCG vaccine. Using a nanoemulsion adjuvant platform (NE01) delivered intranasally, the study aims to generate robust T cell responses at the airway mucosa where TB exposure occurs. The work builds on prior evidence that Th17 cells and mucosal immunity may enhance protection against Mtb, with the goal of achieving better protection in adults. It involves preclinical and translational steps in the context of human biology, leveraging prior Phase I safety data in humans for NE01. The ultimate aim is to advance toward clinical evaluation in populations at risk of TB.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide stronger mucosal immunity against TB, potentially reducing infection risk and disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mucosal vaccine strategies and NE01-adjuvanted vaccines in early human trials showed safety and the ability to induce mucosal immunity, supporting further development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khader, Shabaana a. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Khader, Shabaana a.
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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.