Developing new vaccines to protect against plague
Immunological characterization of rationally-designed vaccines against plague in mice and non-human primate models
This study is working on new vaccines to help protect against bubonic and pneumonic plague by making safer versions of the bacteria that cause these diseases, and it's testing these vaccines in animals to see how well they work and if they're safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914207 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative vaccines to combat bubonic and pneumonic plague, which have seen a rise in cases globally. The approach involves identifying and deleting specific virulence genes from the plague-causing bacteria, Yersinia pestis, to develop live-attenuated vaccine strains. These vaccines aim to elicit strong immune responses, both humoral and cellular, to provide effective protection against various strains of the bacteria. The research is conducted using animal models, including mice and non-human primates, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these new vaccine candidates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals at high risk of exposure to plague, such as military personnel or those living in endemic areas.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of plague exposure or those with existing immunity to the disease may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective vaccines that significantly reduce the incidence and fatality rates of plague in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines against plague, but this approach of targeting specific virulence genes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chopra, Ashok K — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Chopra, Ashok K
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 below.