How mucosal vaccines can reduce virus transmission in animal models for COVID-19 and influenza
Official title: Impact of mucosal adjuvanted vaccines on virus transmission in preclinical animal models for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus infection
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11122180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well different types of vaccines, given through the nose or the arm, can help stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19 and the flu in animals, which could help us create better vaccines for people in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $208,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals at high risk for respiratory infections, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for respiratory infections or those who have already been vaccinated may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of mucosal adjuvanted vaccines in preventing virus transmission in animal models for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. By using guinea pigs and Syrian golden hamsters, the study will compare the immune responses generated by intranasal vaccination versus traditional intramuscular vaccination. The goal is to understand how these vaccines can not only protect against infection but also reduce the spread of viruses among animals. This research could provide insights into developing more effective vaccines for humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to vaccines that significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with mucosal vaccines in animal models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schotsaert, Michael — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Schotsaert, Michael
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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.