Designing vaccines to protect against dengue virus infections
Structure-based design of broad flavivirus immunogens
This study is working on a new vaccine for dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitoes, to help protect you better against the virus and its different types, so you can stay healthier and avoid serious illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new immunogens to create a more effective vaccine against the dengue virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe illness. The approach involves using advanced protein engineering techniques to identify and enhance specific parts of the virus that can trigger a strong immune response. By understanding how antibodies interact with the virus, the researchers aim to design a vaccine that not only protects against one serotype but also provides broader protection against multiple serotypes of the dengue virus. This could potentially reduce the risk of severe disease caused by secondary infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in or traveling to regions where dengue virus is prevalent, particularly those who may be at risk for severe dengue infections.
Not a fit: Patients who have already been vaccinated against dengue or those living in areas where dengue is not endemic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective dengue vaccine that protects against multiple serotypes, reducing the incidence of severe dengue disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting flaviviruses, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in dengue prevention.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Jonathan R. — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lai, Jonathan 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.