Creating a vaccine to prevent Powassan virus infections
Development of a Virus-Like Particle Vaccine for Powassan Virus
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from the Powassan virus, which is spread by ticks and can cause serious health issues, and it will first be tested in mice to see how well it boosts the immune system against the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10845304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a vaccine to prevent diseases caused by the Powassan virus, which is transmitted by ticks and can lead to severe neurological conditions. The approach involves creating virus-like particles that mimic the virus but do not replicate, combined with novel adjuvants to enhance the immune response. The vaccine's effectiveness will be tested in mice to measure the immune response and its ability to protect against the virus. This research aims to provide a safe and effective way to prevent Powassan virus infections in humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where Powassan virus is endemic, particularly in the northeastern and north-central United States and Canada.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in regions where Powassan virus is present or those who are not at risk of tick exposure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of Powassan virus infections and their associated severe health complications.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in developing vaccines for similar tick-borne viruses, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirsch, Alec J — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Hirsch, Alec J
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.