Improving an EBV vaccine to boost antibody protection
Vaccine design to augment protective efficacy of antibodies against the EBV gH/gL glycoprotein complex
This project is developing a stronger Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV) vaccine to help prevent EBV infections and EBV‑linked illnesses, especially for people with weakened immune systems like those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is focusing on a key EBV protein complex called gH/gL and using a modular SAFER vaccine platform to produce more protective antibodies. They will refine vaccine designs and measure how well the antibodies block EBV in laboratory tests and animal models. The goal is to create immune responses that prevent initial infection and lower the risk of EBV‑driven cancers. Promising approaches would be advanced toward future human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who would most benefit from a preventive EBV vaccine include adolescents, military recruits, and individuals living with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
Not a fit: People who are already chronically infected with EBV (most older adults) or those who cannot mount antibody responses may not receive direct benefit from a preventive vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a vaccine that prevents EBV infection and reduces EBV‑related conditions such as infectious mononucleosis and certain lymphomas, particularly in immunocompromised people.
How similar studies have performed: Related vaccines targeting the gH/gL complex have protected animals in preclinical studies, but human effectiveness has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcguire, Andrew — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Mcguire, Andrew
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.