Enhancing immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines using nanoparticles
Official title: Improving the Immune Response to Nanoparticle-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10914985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new type of vaccine using tiny particles can help your body fight COVID-19 better and for a longer time, which could mean stronger protection against new variants of the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175980-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914985 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 and may benefit from enhanced vaccination strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been vaccinated with existing COVID-19 vaccines and are not at risk for severe disease may not receive additional benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how nanoparticle-based vaccines can improve the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. It focuses on the release kinetics of these vaccines, aiming to extend the exposure time to antigens, which may lead to stronger and more diverse antibody responses. By combining effective antigen presentation with a slower release mechanism, the study seeks to enhance the durability of the immune response and improve protection against emerging variants of the virus. Patients may benefit from a more effective vaccine that provides longer-lasting immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines that provide longer-lasting immunity and better protection against variants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with nanoparticle-based vaccines, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Szu-Wen — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Wang, Szu-Wen
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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.