Creating a universal flu vaccine
Overcome immunodominance to support the development of universal influenza vaccines
This research aims to develop a new type of flu vaccine that could protect against many different flu strains, both current and future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178695 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current flu vaccines often target parts of the virus that change quickly, meaning we need a new vaccine every year. Our immune system tends to focus on these changing parts, making it hard to create a vaccine that works broadly. This project explores a new vaccine helper, called an adjuvant, delivered through nanoparticles. This special adjuvant helps guide the immune system to recognize more stable parts of the flu virus, which could lead to longer-lasting and wider protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future recipients of influenza vaccines, particularly those seeking broader and more enduring protection against various flu strains, would be the ideal beneficiaries of this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not typically receive flu vaccines or those with specific immune conditions that prevent vaccine response may not directly benefit from this particular vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a 'universal flu vaccine' that offers broad, long-lasting protection against many different influenza strains, reducing the need for annual vaccinations.
How similar studies have performed: A nanoparticle-based adjuvant has previously shown promise in guiding the immune system to target more stable parts of the flu virus, suggesting a foundation for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Wei — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Luo, Wei
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.