Extended, spaced vaccine dosing to boost antibody responses
"Extended dosing" immunization to enhance humoral immunity to next-generation vaccines
This work explores whether giving vaccine doses spread out over two weeks in increasing amounts helps people make stronger, longer-lasting antibodies against viruses like HIV and COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258014 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing a dosing plan that delivers the same total vaccine amount as several smaller, escalating injections over about two weeks to see if this improves the body's antibody-making centers (germinal centers). Early work in small and large animals showed that this “extended dosing” can change the immune response, and this project will study the immune mechanisms behind that effect. The team will use lab and animal experiments to learn how timing and adjuvant exposure shape antibody quality and durability, with the goal of guiding future human vaccine schedules and formulations. Results are intended to inform next-generation vaccines for pathogens such as HIV and SARS-CoV-2.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who might be eligible for future clinical vaccine trials testing alternative dosing schedules for HIV or SARS-CoV-2, especially those at risk for these infections.
Not a fit: People with active infections needing immediate treatment, those who cannot receive vaccines, or those already fully protected by current vaccines would not directly benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to vaccines that produce stronger, longer-lasting and broader antibody protection against viruses like HIV and COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in animals have shown promising improvements in germinal center responses and antibody quality with extended dosing, but human trial data are limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Irvine, Darrell J — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Irvine, Darrell J
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.