Enhancing immunity from HCMV vaccines by targeting viral receptors
Official title: Improving HCMV vaccine-elicited immunity by targeting viral Fc receptors
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10997436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make vaccines better at protecting babies from hearing loss and other problems caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (HCMV), by understanding how the virus affects the immune system, so that we can create a stronger vaccine to keep mothers and their babies safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,657 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176451-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and their infants, particularly those at risk of HCMV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have a risk of HCMV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the effectiveness of vaccines against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which is a leading cause of hearing loss and neurodevelopmental issues in infants. The team aims to understand how certain viral proteins, known as Fcγ receptors, interfere with the immune response to HCMV. By studying immune responses in individuals infected with HCMV and testing new vaccine strategies in animal models, the researchers hope to develop a more effective vaccine that can prevent the transmission of HCMV from mother to child.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that protects infants from HCMV-related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting viral immune evasion mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Permar, Sallie R. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Permar, Sallie R.
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.