Developing a vaccine to protect against Shigella and ETEC infections

Advanced Development of a Combined Shigella-ETEC Vaccine

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11085911

This study is testing a new vaccine that aims to protect young children and travelers from two common causes of diarrhea, using specially modified bacteria to help the body build a strong defense against these infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11085911 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a combined vaccine that targets two major causes of diarrhea, Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which significantly affect young children and travelers. The approach involves using genetically modified strains of these bacteria to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against infections. By utilizing animal models, the researchers aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of these vaccine candidates in inducing protective immune responses. The goal is to develop a safe and effective vaccine that can be used in populations at high risk of these infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old, particularly those in developing countries or travelers to these regions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those who do not travel to areas where these pathogens are prevalent may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of severe diarrhea in children and travelers, improving health outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for similar pathogens, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.