Creating mRNA vaccines to fight a serious fungal infection
Official title: Develop and Assess mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccines Against Cryptococcosis
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10762466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of vaccine made from mRNA to help protect people at high risk from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a serious fungal infection that affects the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $217,673 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI170106-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10762466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for cryptococcal infections, particularly those with compromised immune systems, such as patients with AIDS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for cryptococcal infections or those with fully functioning immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines to combat cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a life-threatening fungal infection of the central nervous system. The approach involves using stabilized mRNAs that encode immunogens, which are packaged in lipid nanoparticles to enhance their effectiveness. The research team has extensive experience in targeted antifungal drug delivery and aims to overcome the limitations of existing vaccine technologies that have not yet reached clinical trials. By exploring this novel vaccine technology, the study seeks to provide a new preventive measure for high-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to an effective vaccine that significantly reduces mortality rates from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis.
How similar studies have gone: While mRNA vaccine technology has shown success in other areas, this specific application for fungal infections is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Xiaorong — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Lin, Xiaorong
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.