Creating vaccines using self-assembling nanofibers to combat neurodegeneration
Official title: Self-assembling Nanofiber Vaccines for Neurodegeneration
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11193533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of vaccine made from tiny fibers that can help your immune system fight off harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, and it's designed to be safe for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $549,387 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG089122-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults at risk for or diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to amyloid-beta or tau protein aggregation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative vaccines made from self-assembling nanofibers designed from peptides. These nanofibers can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against harmful proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The approach aims to harness the body's immune response without causing inflammation, making it safer for older adults who often have weakened immune systems. By investigating the safety and effectiveness of these nanofibers, the research seeks to provide a new avenue for preventing or treating these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective vaccines that prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar nanofiber technologies for vaccine development, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudra, Jai — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Rudra, Jai
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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.