Fungal mannans to boost coronavirus vaccine responses
Development of a novel adjuvant strategy enabled by modulation of the physical properties of fungal mannans
Looks at whether adding fungal sugar molecules called mannans to vaccines that use the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein can boost and extend antibody protection for people getting protein‑based COVID‑19 vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We're using the coronavirus spike protein as a vaccine ingredient and combining it with fungal sugar molecules (mannans) that bind an immune receptor called Dectin‑2. Researchers will change how the mannans are prepared and how they are mixed with common adjuvants like aluminum to find formulations that stimulate stronger immune responses. Lab and animal tests will measure antibody strength, breadth, and how long protection lasts to pick the best recipes. The work aims to produce an adjuvant approach that could be added to protein‑based COVID‑19 vaccines to improve protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are eligible for protein‑based COVID‑19 vaccines or booster shots, especially adults seeking stronger or longer protection, would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not receive protein‑based COVID‑19 vaccines (for example those who only get mRNA vaccines) or those with known allergies to fungal components may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to vaccines that produce stronger, broader, and longer‑lasting antibody protection against SARS‑CoV‑2, improving vaccine effectiveness and durability.
How similar studies have performed: Aluminum salts and adjuvants that target TLRs have improved vaccines before, but using fungal mannans to target Dectin‑2 is a newer approach with promising early lab and animal results and limited human data so far.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanoni, Ivan — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zanoni, Ivan
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.