Developing a new way to create influenza vaccine prototypes using cell-free technology
Official title: Cell-free synthesis of influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) as prototyping platform for vaccine development and variant characterization
Funded at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories · NIH-10815857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to make virus-like particles that can help create better flu vaccines faster and more easily, especially when we need them quickly during a pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $92,840 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI176165-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for influenza, including those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.
✕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 creating a more efficient method for producing influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) that can be used as prototypes for vaccine development. By utilizing a wheat germ cell-free protein expression platform, the researchers aim to synthesize these VLPs without the limitations of traditional cell culture methods. The project involves detailed analysis of the VLPs' structure and composition to identify the most effective candidates for vaccines. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the speed and flexibility of vaccine production, especially in response to pandemic threats.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more effective influenza vaccines, improving public health preparedness for future outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cell-free systems for vaccine development, indicating that this approach could be a viable and innovative method.
Where this research is happening
-
Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
Richland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powell, Samantha Malia — Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
- Study coordinator: Powell, Samantha Malia
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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.