A vaccine to protect against Shigella and ETEC infections
Official title: A cross protective multivalent vaccine for Shigella and ETEC
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11042237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine called MecVax that aims to protect people from two common bacteria that cause diarrhea, Shigella and ETEC, by using a special mix of proteins to boost the immune system, and it's currently being tested in animals before it can be given to humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $720,111 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175214-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old and adults over 21 who are at risk of infections from Shigella and ETEC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for these specific bacterial infections or those who have already been vaccinated against them may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a combination vaccine that provides protection against two major bacterial causes of diarrhea, Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). The vaccine, called MecVax, utilizes a novel approach that combines multiple immune-stimulating proteins into a single injectable formulation. By targeting specific proteins and toxins associated with these bacteria, the vaccine is designed to elicit a strong immune response, potentially preventing severe gastrointestinal illness in affected populations. The research involves testing the vaccine in animal models to assess its safety and effectiveness before moving to human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a licensed vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of severe diarrhea caused by Shigella and ETEC, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and travelers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines for similar bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sack, David a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sack, David a
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.