Combining immune boosters to make vaccines work better
Mechanistic evaluation of mast cell agonists combined with TLR, NOD and STING agonists.
Researchers are exploring whether pairing mast cell activators with other immune-stimulating compounds can boost vaccine protection for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247131 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at mixing mast cell activators with other immune stimulants (TLR, NOD-2, and STING agonists) to find combinations that produce stronger and longer-lasting vaccine responses. The team will test these combinations in mice, in a diverse panel of genetically varied mouse strains, and in human immune cells in the lab. By comparing responses across different genetic backgrounds, they hope to identify pairs that work broadly across different people. Results could guide safer, more effective adjuvants for subunit vaccines and reduce the need for frequent booster shots.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults willing to donate blood or join future clinical trials testing new vaccine adjuvants, especially those interested in improving vaccine responses.
Not a fit: People who are not getting vaccines, those with severe allergic or mast cell activation disorders, or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to vaccine formulations that give stronger, longer-lasting protection with fewer booster doses.
How similar studies have performed: Combining adjuvants has shown promise in animal models, but using mast cell agonists together with TLR/NOD/STING agonists is a relatively new approach being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ainslie, Kristy M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Ainslie, Kristy M
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.