Developing vaccines to protect against common viral infections
Official title: Project 5: Multi-scale development and evaluation of broadly-effective vaccines against picornaviruses with pandemic potential
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10863346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on developing new vaccines to protect against picornaviruses, which can cause serious illnesses like polio and brain infections, using cutting-edge methods to find the best options for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $3,478,173 |
| NIH project number | 1U19AI181968-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for enterovirus infections, such as children and those with weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for enterovirus infections or those who have already been vaccinated against these viruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating effective vaccines against picornaviruses, which are known to cause serious illnesses like poliomyelitis and encephalitis. The team will utilize innovative methods, including mRNA and protein-based vaccine candidates, to combat these viruses. By testing these candidates in laboratory settings and animal models, the researchers aim to identify promising options for human use. The project seeks to address the lack of approved antiviral treatments for enterovirus infections, which have significant pandemic potential.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of vaccines that protect against severe viral infections, potentially saving lives and reducing disease burden.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for similar viral infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Semler, Bert L — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Semler, Bert L
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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.