How muscle-targeted self-replicating RNA vaccines trigger immunity
Immunological mechanism of muscle-localizing self-replicating RNA vaccines
['FUNDING_R01'] · HDT BIO CORPORATION · NIH-11192826
This project looks at how self-amplifying RNA vaccines delivered to muscle activate immune responses to protect people from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HDT BIO CORPORATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11192826 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing vaccines that use self-replicating RNA delivered with a muscle-targeting carrier called LION so high doses can be given without widespread inflammation. From your perspective, the team wants to know which immune cells that enter the muscle after injection make the vaccine work and which signals reduce vaccine protein production or cause side effects. The work uses laboratory experiments and animal models to track transgene expression, type I interferon signaling, and CD11b+ immune cells after intramuscular vaccination. Findings are intended to guide safer, stronger multivalent RNA vaccines that could later be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People concerned about or at risk for respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, RSV, influenza) or healthy volunteers interested in future vaccine trials or sample donation would be relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with no risk or concern for these respiratory viruses, or those unable to receive intramuscular vaccines, are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable safer and more effective multivalent RNA vaccines that protect against multiple respiratory viruses with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Related self-amplifying RNA vaccines delivered with muscle-targeting carriers have shown promising immune responses and safety in animal studies, though human data remain limited.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- HDT BIO CORPORATION — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIMURA, TAISHI — HDT BIO CORPORATION
- Study coordinator: KIMURA, TAISHI
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.