Boosting flu vaccine protection in older adults with a new lung-targeted booster
A new mucosal adjuvant for augmenting influenza vaccines in elderly
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11321616
This project sees if a new lung-targeted vaccine booster can help older adults build stronger and longer-lasting protection against the flu.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321616 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing a mucosal (lung-targeted) adjuvant called PS-GAMP that packages a natural STING stimulator into lung-mimicking liposomes to boost flu vaccines. Earlier work showed this approach produced broad antibody and T-cell protection in young mice against multiple flu strains. In this project the team will give PS-GAMP with an inactivated flu vaccine to aged mice to determine whether lung-resident CD8+ and CD4+ memory T cells, strong antibodies, and cross-strain protection can be induced quickly and maintained as the animals age. The investigators will track immune responses in the lungs and blood and measure how long the protection lasts over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual target group would be older adults, especially people aged 65 and up or those with age-related weakening of immune responses.
Not a fit: Children, most younger adults, and some people with certain severe immune-suppressing conditions may not be the intended beneficiaries of this specific elderly-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make flu vaccines work much better for older adults and reduce serious illness and hospital stays from the flu.
How similar studies have performed: Related mucosal STING-adjuvant work produced broad and durable protection in young mice, but applying this adjuvant to aged animals and older humans is new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WU, MEI X — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: WU, MEI X
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.