Developing a new RNA vaccine to prevent infections from the Cache Valley virus.
Official title: Pre-clinical evaluation of alpha-Cache; a novel RNA vaccine for an emerging orthobunyavirus
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10866480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new RNA vaccine designed to help prevent infections from the Cache Valley virus, which can cause serious health problems, and it's being done in mice to see how safe and effective it is before moving on to humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,342 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178550-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, particularly in regions where the Cache Valley virus is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not plan to become pregnant may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel RNA vaccine aimed at preventing infections caused by the Cache Valley virus (CVV), which can lead to serious health issues such as spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations. The approach utilizes advanced mRNA vaccine technology, similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines, to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in a specialized mouse model. By identifying key antigens necessary for immune response, the research aims to establish a foundation for future vaccines against CVV and related viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that protects against the Cache Valley virus, potentially reducing the incidence of related birth defects and miscarriages.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant success with mRNA vaccines for other viruses like COVID-19, this specific approach for the Cache Valley virus is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Auguste, Albert J. — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Auguste, Albert J.
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.