A new vaccine targeting Zika virus using mosquito saliva proteins
Official title: A novel vaccine against mosquito-borne Zika virus based on mosquito salivary gland protein AgBR1
Funded at L2 Diagnostics, LLC · NIH-10892240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine for the Zika virus that uses a protein from mosquito saliva to help boost the body's defense against the virus, and it's aimed at anyone interested in better protection from mosquito-borne illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | L2 Diagnostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 21, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $980,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AI142846-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals at risk of Zika virus infection, particularly those living in or traveling to areas where the virus is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of Zika virus infection or those with existing immunity to the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel vaccine against the Zika virus by utilizing a specific protein found in the saliva of mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. The approach aims to enhance the immune response to the virus by targeting salivary proteins that can influence how the virus infects the host. By immunizing animal models, the researchers have shown that this method can provide partial protection against Zika virus transmission through mosquito bites. The study seeks to establish a more effective vaccination strategy that could potentially be applied to other mosquito-borne viruses as well.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine against Zika virus, reducing the incidence of infection and its associated health complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar approaches targeting mosquito saliva proteins to develop vaccines against arboviruses, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
L2 Diagnostics, LLC
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fikrig, Erol — L2 Diagnostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Fikrig, Erol
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.