Designing new influenza vaccines that target specific viral proteins
Official title: Structure-based design of neuraminidase immunogens for next-generation influenza vaccines
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11000265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new flu vaccines that could protect you better against different types of the flu virus, especially the ones that could cause a pandemic, by focusing on a key part of the virus that helps it spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI181355-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at higher risk for influenza, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have already received effective vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing next-generation influenza vaccines that can provide broader protection against various influenza subtypes, especially those with pandemic potential. The approach involves designing immunogens that specifically target the neuraminidase (NA) protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to spread. By engineering the structure of these immunogens, the research aims to enhance the immune response to conserved regions of the NA protein, potentially leading to more effective vaccines. Patients may benefit from improved vaccine options that offer better protection against influenza.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective influenza vaccines that provide broader and longer-lasting immunity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting viral proteins for vaccine development, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hecht, Rochel — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Hecht, Rochel
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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.