Immune reactions to ingredients in lipid nanoparticle vaccines
Immunogenicity of lipid nanoparticles
This project looks at how different parts of lipid nanoparticles used in mRNA vaccines may trigger immune reactions and side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create three libraries of lipid nanoparticles that vary the common ingredients (like PEG, ionizable lipids, and helper phospholipids). They will test these formulations in laboratory assays and animal models to measure antibody responses, immune-cell activation, and signs of inflammation or toxicity. The team will link specific LNP components to particular immune pathways and adverse effects to understand why some formulations cause reactions. Findings aim to point toward formulation choices that reduce unwanted immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced allergic or inflammatory reactions after receiving LNP-based vaccines or those interested in safer mRNA therapies would be most directly connected to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune responses to lipid nanoparticles (for example, non-immune genetic disorders) are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide safer LNP designs and lower the risk of immune-related side effects from mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.
How similar studies have performed: There are limited human data showing anti-PEG antibodies and rare adverse events after COVID mRNA vaccines, but systematic, component-level studies of LNP immunogenicity are still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Shaoyi — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Shaoyi
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.