Innovative OMV vaccine approach against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in mouse models
Official title: Transgenic mouse models of disease to test an innovative OMV-based vaccine for protection against the pathogenic Neisseriae
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-11420591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new vaccine approach using specially designed bacterial outer membrane vesicles is being tested in mice to protect against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a human sexually transmitted infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $350,205 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI192648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals at risk for gonorrhea exposure who could benefit from a future vaccine, pending human testing.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure risk or those who would not participate in vaccine trials may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses transgenic mouse models to test OMV-based vaccine candidates that present conserved Ngo transport proteins. Researchers aim to create vaccines with binding-defective versions of key receptors to promote nutrient deprivation and help the immune system clear infection. The study focuses on how these vaccines perform in vivo, including immune responses and protection against infection in a controlled animal setting. Findings could guide future human trials and vaccine development for gonorrhea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could provide protection against gonorrhea and help curb drug-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests OMV-based vaccines can provoke protective immune responses in animal models, supporting this approach’s potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cornelissen, Cynthia N — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Cornelissen, Cynthia N
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.