Developing a vaccine to provide broad immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Official title: Induction of Broad Sarbecovirus Immunity Via A Vaccine Engineered From SARS-CoV-2 Heptad Repeat 1
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11096070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new vaccine designed to help your body fight off different versions of the COVID-19 virus by targeting a part of the virus that doesn’t change much, so it can provide better protection against repeated infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 28, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,764 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI180431-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk of COVID-19 infection or those who have had limited responses to existing vaccines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already developed strong immunity from previous infections or vaccinations may not benefit from this new vaccine.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a new vaccine that targets a specific part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to generate a stronger immune response against various variants. Current vaccines often fail to provide adequate protection due to mutations in the virus, leading to repeated infections. The approach involves engineering a vaccine that focuses on a conserved region of the virus's spike protein, which is less likely to change. By doing so, the researchers hope to stimulate the production of antibodies that can effectively neutralize multiple variants of the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that provides lasting protection against COVID-19 variants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines targeting conserved viral regions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stampfer, Samuel David — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Stampfer, Samuel David
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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.