Enhancing vaccines for certain bacterial infections in children and the elderly
Official title: Improving vaccination against type-2 T-independent antigens
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-10993143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to help kids and older adults fight off serious infections caused by certain bacteria by figuring out how to boost their immune response and improve vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,454 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176124-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old and elderly individuals who are at higher risk for infections caused by encapsulated bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall within the age range of 0-11 years or those who are not elderly may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving vaccination strategies against encapsulated bacteria that cause severe infections in children and the elderly. It investigates the mechanisms that inhibit the immune system's memory response to these bacteria and explores how to enhance the production of antibodies and memory B cells through the use of specific adjuvants. By utilizing a mouse model, the study aims to identify ways to overcome the limitations of current vaccines, particularly for T-independent antigens. The findings could lead to more effective vaccines that provide better protection against these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines that offer better protection against serious bacterial infections in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach to enhancing vaccines for T-independent antigens is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in improving vaccine efficacy through better understanding of immune responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Re, Fabio C — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Re, Fabio C
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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.