Developing a universal vaccine for influenza using self-assembled nanoparticles
Official title: Self Assembled Peptide Nanoparticles as Multi-Antigen Universal Influenza Vaccines
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11130282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new flu vaccine that could protect you from many different strains of the virus by using tiny protein particles to help your immune system recognize and fight the flu better, so you might get a more effective and longer-lasting shot against both seasonal and pandemic flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,942 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI183539-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for influenza, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have already received a flu vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a universal influenza vaccine using self-assembled protein nanoparticles that can effectively target multiple strains of the virus. By focusing on highly conserved regions of viral proteins, the study seeks to enhance the immune response and improve vaccine effectiveness. The approach involves designing nanoparticles that present these antigens in a way that boosts their recognition by the immune system, potentially leading to better protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza. Patients may benefit from a more effective and longer-lasting flu vaccine that can adapt to changing virus strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and universal influenza vaccine, reducing the incidence of flu-related illnesses and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanoparticle-based vaccines for various diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Champion, Julie — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Champion, Julie
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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.