Improving vaccine responses in older adults using a new adjuvant combination
Official title: Restoring age-dependent vaccine unresponsiveness by a novel ASP-1 adjuvant combination
Funded at New York Blood Center · NIH-11088844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make vaccines work better for older adults by using a special ingredient that helps boost their immune response, so they can be better protected against infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Blood Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $719,415 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI160421-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older, particularly those who may have weakened immune responses due to age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 years old or those with immune system disorders unrelated to aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a novel combination of adjuvants can enhance vaccine effectiveness in older adults, who often experience reduced immune responses due to aging. The study focuses on a unique parasite protein adjuvant, rASP-1, and its interaction with well-known innate adjuvants to stimulate a stronger immune response. By understanding the mechanisms behind these interactions, the research aims to develop more effective vaccines tailored for the aging population, potentially leading to better protection against infectious diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to vaccines that are significantly more effective for older adults, reducing their risk of serious infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using adjuvant combinations to enhance vaccine responses, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Blood Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lustigman, Sara — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: Lustigman, Sara
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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.