Creating vaccines to protect against a tick-borne virus
Development of vaccines targeting a tick-borne phlebovirus
This study is testing a new vaccine to help protect people from Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, a serious illness spread by ticks, and it aims to create strong immunity with just one shot.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878775 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing vaccines for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome virus (SFTSV), a dangerous virus spread by ticks that can lead to severe illness and high mortality rates. The approach involves using a recombinant viral vector and modified mRNA to stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the virus. By leveraging a known vaccine vector, the study aims to induce strong immune responses with just a single dose, potentially offering a rapid and effective solution to combat this emerging infectious disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals living in or traveling to areas where SFTSV is prevalent, particularly in Asia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in or travel to regions affected by SFTSV may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the first effective vaccine against SFTSV, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness and death from this virus.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar vaccine approaches, particularly using viral vectors like the VSV for other diseases, indicating a promising avenue for SFTSV vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bates, Paul — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bates, Paul
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.