A new vaccine to prevent Zika virus infections.
Official title: A novel live-attenuated Zika vaccine with a modified 5'UTR
Funded at University of Southern Mississippi · NIH-10730832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from the Zika virus, which can cause serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and their babies, and aims to make it safe and effective for future use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern Mississippi NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hattiesburg, United States) |
| Project start | May 26, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $444,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI178654-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include adults who are at risk of Zika virus exposure, particularly those living in or traveling to endemic areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of Zika virus exposure or those with existing immunity to the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a live-attenuated vaccine for the Zika virus, which has been linked to severe birth defects and neurological conditions in adults. The vaccine is designed to be safer and more effective by modifying the virus's genetic structure to reduce its virulence while still provoking a strong immune response. Patients may benefit from this vaccine as it aims to prevent Zika-related diseases, particularly during potential future outbreaks. The research involves laboratory testing to ensure the vaccine's safety and efficacy before it can be considered for human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective vaccine to prevent Zika virus infections and associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on live-attenuated vaccines for other viruses has shown promise, indicating potential success for this novel approach to Zika vaccination.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Fengwei — University of Southern Mississippi
- Study coordinator: Bai, Fengwei
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.