Creating vaccines to prevent severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus and E. coli

Development of rotavirus-based enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli dual vaccines

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10908655

This study is working on a new vaccine that can help protect children from severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus and E. coli, and they're testing it in mice to see how well it works before it can be used in people who are at higher risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908655 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing dual vaccines that target both rotavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which are significant causes of severe diarrhea and gastroenteritis, particularly in children. The researchers are utilizing advanced genetic techniques to create a vaccine that can stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against these pathogens. By testing these vaccines in mouse models, they aim to understand how effectively they can reduce infections and improve health outcomes. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe and effective vaccine that can be used in populations at high risk of these infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of five who are at high risk for severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus and ETEC.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those who have already been vaccinated against these pathogens may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of severe diarrhea in children, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for rotavirus, but the dual approach targeting both rotavirus and ETEC is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.