Finding new agents to improve mRNA vaccines
Official title: Discovery of Adjuvants for mRNA Vaccines
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11202992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for safe, small substances that can help make mRNA vaccines work better by improving how the body responds to them, which could lead to stronger protection against COVID-19 and other diseases for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,601,750 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00022-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11202992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are receiving or have received mRNA vaccines and are interested in enhancing their immune response.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving mRNA vaccines or those with contraindications to vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on discovering and optimizing safe, low molecular weight substances that can act as adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines. By improving the accumulation and release of protein antigens in both immune and non-immune cells, the study aims to boost the immune response. The approach involves administering these agents alongside mRNA vaccines and assessing their impact on activating the innate immune system in antigen-presenting cells. Patients may benefit from improved vaccine efficacy against COVID-19 and potentially other diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective mRNA vaccines that provide better protection against COVID-19 and other viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using adjuvants to enhance vaccine efficacy, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carson, Dennis — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Carson, Dennis
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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.