Designing better hepatitis C vaccines
Rational design and efficacy testing of vaccines against HCV
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · NIH-11332664
Researchers are creating and testing new hepatitis C vaccine designs to help protect people at risk of HCV infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11332664 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on making vaccine parts that mimic the hepatitis C virus envelope proteins called E1E2 to train the immune system to make broad antibodies and strong T cell responses. The team uses a secreted, native-like form of E1E2 and packages it into virus-mimicking polymer particles along with a conserved core protein to boost immune reactions. They will test these vaccine candidates in the lab and in animal models to measure antibody breadth and cellular immunity against diverse HCV strains. Results will guide vaccine designs that could later move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk of hepatitis C infection would be the ideal candidates for future vaccine trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People already cured of HCV or those with severe immune suppression may not gain direct benefit from these preventive vaccine candidates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a vaccine that prevents hepatitis C infection and reduces HCV-related liver disease worldwide.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have produced some promising broadly neutralizing antibody responses, but no effective HCV vaccine has yet been approved.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK — COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FUERST, THOMAS R — UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- Study coordinator: FUERST, THOMAS R
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.