Investigating how vaccines can improve immune responses to respiratory viruses in mice with diverse microbial exposure
Official title: Vaccine-Induced Mucosal T-Cell Immunity to Respiratory Viruses in Dirty Mice
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10906981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new type of vaccine can help your immune system fight off respiratory viruses better, especially for people who have been exposed to different germs, by focusing on a special kind of immune cell in the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173757-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals at high risk for respiratory infections, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for respiratory infections or those who have already been vaccinated with existing vaccines may not receive additional benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how vaccines can induce strong immune responses against respiratory viruses, particularly in the context of mice that have been exposed to a variety of microbes. The study aims to develop a new type of mucosal vaccine that targets lung tissue-resident memory T cells, which are crucial for long-lasting immunity. By using a unique model of 'Dirty mice', which better mimic human immune responses, the researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that enhance vaccine efficacy. This approach could lead to more effective vaccines that provide broader protection against rapidly evolving respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that provide long-lasting immunity against respiratory viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches with animal models, but this specific method involving Dirty mice is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suresh, Marulasiddappa — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Suresh, Marulasiddappa
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.