Developing a new vaccine platform for alphaviruses like chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.
Official title: Project 4: Vaccine Design [insect alphavirus chimera] VEEV/CHIKV (alphaviruses)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10863005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of vaccine that uses a safe, modified virus to quickly protect people from diseases like chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and it aims to show that just one dose can provide strong and lasting immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,960,456 |
| NIH project number | 1U19AI181960-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals at risk of exposure to chikungunya or Venezuelan equine encephalitis, particularly in outbreak-prone areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of exposure to alphaviruses or those with contraindications to vaccination may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel vaccine platform using a genetically modified virus that is safe for humans and can provide rapid protection against alphaviruses such as chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. The approach involves using the Eilat virus as a backbone to develop chimeric vaccines that are stable and effective with just a single dose. The research will optimize how these vaccines are produced and administered, aiming to ensure they can be quickly deployed during outbreaks. By testing these vaccines in non-human primates, the researchers hope to demonstrate their ability to induce strong immune responses and long-lasting protection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective vaccines that protect against severe viral infections caused by alphaviruses, potentially saving lives during outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines using similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Scott C — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Scott C
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.