Developing a skin vaccine to create long-lasting immune cells for lung protection
Official title: Skin vaccination and generation of protective lung-tropic memory T cells
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11002019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to give vaccines through the skin to help your body build stronger and longer-lasting defenses against lung infections, which could lead to better protection against respiratory viruses for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $912,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175582-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for respiratory infections, such as those with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for respiratory infections or those with existing immunity may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a skin vaccination method that generates protective immune cells specifically targeting the lungs. It aims to enhance the durability of lung-resident memory T cells, which are crucial for long-term immunity against respiratory viruses. By studying a unique population of CD8 T cells that can quickly respond to lung infections, the research seeks to improve vaccine effectiveness and provide rapid protection. Patients may benefit from a more effective vaccine that offers longer-lasting immunity against respiratory viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to vaccines that provide long-lasting protection against respiratory viruses, reducing the risk of severe illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines that enhance T cell immunity, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kupper, Thomas S. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kupper, Thomas S.
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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.