Finding the best immune-boosting ingredient for strep A vaccines
Identifying the Most Effective Adjuvant(s) for Leading Group A Streptococcal Vaccine Antigens in Preclinical Mouse and Nonhuman Primate Models
This project tests different immune-boosting ingredients to help make a more protective vaccine against group A strep infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing several vaccine booster ingredients (adjuvants) using mice and nonhuman primates that mimic human strep throat to see which produces the strongest and safest immune responses. They will compare the standard alum formulation with alternatives that promote a Th1-type immune response already suggested to improve protection. The team will look for broad protection across different strep A strains and monitor safety signals in the animal models. Results will guide which vaccine formulations should move forward toward human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for group A strep infections—especially children and adults in regions with high strep burden—would be candidates for future human trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical animal research, people will not receive direct benefit now, and individuals who cannot receive vaccines (for example due to severe allergies or contraindications) may not benefit later.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a safer, more effective strep A vaccine that prevents strep throat and reduces cases of rheumatic heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including work by this team, showed that choice of adjuvant can markedly change protection in mice and nonhuman primates, but broader head-to-head testing across vaccine candidates is still needed.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nizet, Victor — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Nizet, Victor
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.