Developing new vaccines for mosquito-borne viruses
Official title: Project 3: Vaccine Design [mRNA] VEEV/CHIKV (alphaviruses)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10863004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new vaccines to help protect people from chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis, using advanced methods to understand how these viruses work and how our immune system can fight them, so that those living in areas where these viruses are common can stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $4,622,541 |
| NIH project number | 1U19AI181960-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals living in or traveling to areas where chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses are common.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of exposure to these viruses, such as those living in regions where they are not endemic, may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating next-generation vaccines for two significant mosquito-borne viruses: chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). By utilizing advanced techniques to understand the structure of these viruses and their interactions with the immune system, the researchers aim to design vaccines that are both safe and effective. The project will explore specific viral components that can trigger a strong immune response, potentially leading to long-lasting protection against these diseases. Patients may benefit from these vaccines, especially in regions where these viruses are prevalent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective vaccines that prevent severe diseases caused by chikungunya and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing vaccines for similar mosquito-borne viruses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Jonathan R. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lai, Jonathan R.
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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.