Mapping a key site on the norovirus capsid to aid vaccine development
Official title: Structural mapping of an immunodominant antigenic site on the norovirus capsid
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11136561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the norovirus, which causes stomach bugs, interacts with our immune system to help create better vaccines that can protect us from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180523-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of norovirus infection, particularly those with a history of acute gastroenteritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for norovirus infection or those who have already been vaccinated against norovirus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the norovirus, a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, interacts with the immune system. It aims to identify and visualize a newly discovered antigenic site on the virus's capsid that is crucial for the development of neutralizing antibodies. By using advanced structural and biophysical techniques, the researchers will map how these antibodies recognize the virus, which could lead to the creation of effective vaccines. The findings will help in designing immunogens that can provide broad protection against norovirus infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a vaccine that effectively protects against norovirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in mapping antigenic sites for other viruses, suggesting that this approach could be effective for norovirus as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dubois, Rebecca Michelle — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Dubois, Rebecca Michelle
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.