Improving vaccines to better protect against infections at mucosal surfaces

Using parenteral combination adjuvants to induce pan-mucosal cellular and humoral immunity

NIH-funded research Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11092932

This study is looking at ways to make vaccines work better by boosting the immune system in areas like the lungs and intestines, which is important because many germs enter the body through these spots, and it's for anyone interested in improving vaccine effectiveness against infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092932 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance vaccine effectiveness by focusing on mucosal immunity, which is crucial since many pathogens enter the body through mucosal surfaces. The team is exploring the use of specific adjuvants, which are substances that enhance the body's immune response to vaccines, to stimulate both cellular and antibody responses in mucosal areas like the lungs and intestines. By using a novel bacterial toxin and outer membrane vesicle adjuvants, the researchers aim to better target immune responses and improve vaccine outcomes. This approach could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against various infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for infections that affect mucosal areas, such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.

Not a fit: Patients with existing mucosal immunity issues or those who have already been vaccinated against the targeted pathogens may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to vaccines that provide better protection against infections that enter through mucosal surfaces.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using adjuvants to enhance immune responses, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in vaccine development.

Where this research is happening

New Orleans, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.