Investigating tick proteins to develop vaccines against tick-borne diseases
Tick Immune-Developmental and Metabolic Pathways as Anti-Tick Vaccine Targets
This study is looking for ways to create vaccines that can help stop ticks from growing and reproducing, which could help protect people and animals from diseases that ticks spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying tick proteins that are crucial for tick development, metabolism, and immunity, which could be targeted for anti-tick vaccines. By using advanced mRNA-lipid nanoparticle technology, the study aims to discover and develop vaccines that can disrupt the life cycle of ticks and the pathogens they carry. The research involves immunizing animal models, such as rabbits and mice, with a combination of mRNA-LNPs to evaluate the effects on tick growth and reproduction. The ultimate goal is to create effective vaccines that can reduce the incidence of diseases transmitted by ticks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at risk of tick-borne diseases, particularly those living in endemic areas.
Not a fit: Patients who are not exposed to ticks or do not live in areas where tick-borne diseases are prevalent may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines that protect against tick-borne diseases, improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mRNA-LNP technology for vaccine development, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fikrig, Erol — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Fikrig, Erol
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.