MPL-QS21 adjuvant combo and how it boosts vaccine responses
Official title: Mechanism of Action of MPL-QS21 Adjuvant Combination
Funded at University of Sydney · NIH-11349344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a two-adjuvant combo (MPL and QS21) works to strengthen vaccines, with a focus on safety and effectiveness for people, especially older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Sydney NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sydney, Australia) |
| Project start | July 10, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $736,873 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198258-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems who may benefit from optimized vaccine formulations.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not seeking vaccines or not participating in any immune-related studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Doctors and scientists will study how MPL and QS21 in a cholesterol-based delivery system amplify immune responses to vaccines. The work aims to map the exact mechanisms behind the adjuvant’s action and potential toxicity to speed safer vaccine design. The project references real-world vaccines like Shingrix and Fluad to understand durability of protection in aging and immune-compromised groups. Findings could guide better matching of adjuvants to specific antigens in future vaccines. The research uses mouse models and human lymph node explant systems to compare responses and identify key pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how adjuvants work could lead to safer, more effective vaccines for aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data show strong adjuvant effects in both animal models and human LN explant models, suggesting potential for successful translation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cunningham, Anthony — University of Sydney
- Study coordinator: Cunningham, Anthony
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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.