A new vaccine to prevent Lyme disease
A novel Lyme disease vaccine
This study is testing a new vaccine that could help protect people from Lyme disease by using proteins from the saliva of ticks that spread the disease, and it's being done with guinea pigs to find out which proteins work best to boost the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086012 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a vaccine that can provide resistance to Lyme disease by targeting the saliva proteins of the black-legged tick, which transmits the disease. The approach involves immunizing guinea pigs with specific proteins found in tick saliva to generate an immune response that can prevent infection by Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. The study aims to identify which proteins are most effective in eliciting this protective response and to explore the underlying immune mechanisms involved. If successful, this vaccine could significantly reduce the incidence of Lyme disease in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent and who are at risk of tick exposure.
Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with Lyme disease or those who are not at risk of tick exposure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that effectively prevents Lyme disease and potentially other tick-borne infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting tick saliva proteins, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fikrig, Erol — Yale University
- 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 below.