Creating a vaccine to prevent cryptosporidiosis in children
Official title: Developing vaccines against the intracellular and extracellular Lifestages of the Cryptosporidium parasite
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11139660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect young children from cryptosporidiosis, a disease that causes bad diarrhea, especially in places like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $242,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185530-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old living in regions affected by cryptosporidiosis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those living in regions not affected by cryptosporidiosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a vaccine against cryptosporidiosis, a disease caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite that leads to severe diarrhea, particularly in young children. The project focuses on creating a vaccine that targets multiple life stages of the parasite to enhance immunity. Researchers will utilize a novel liposomal vaccine formulation that stimulates both cellular and humoral immune responses. The goal is to provide a preventive measure for a disease that significantly impacts children's health in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a much-needed vaccine to prevent cryptosporidiosis, reducing illness and mortality in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting similar parasitic infections, but this specific approach to cryptosporidiosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilchrist, Carol a — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Gilchrist, Carol 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.