mRNA vaccine to block Lone Star tick bites and prevent red meat (alpha‑gal) allergy
mRNA vaccination targeting Amblyomma ticks to prevent alpha gal syndrome
An mRNA vaccine is being developed to stop Lone Star ticks from feeding and thereby help prevent alpha‑gal (red meat) allergy in people exposed to these ticks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11269229 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNAs that make tick salivary proteins, training the immune system to produce acquired tick resistance (ATR). They will test this approach in animal models (guinea pigs) to see if vaccinated hosts prevent Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star) ticks from feeding and reduce alpha‑gal antibody responses. The team builds on prior work showing ATR against a different tick species and preliminary success using a mix of salivary protein mRNAs. Successful preclinical results would support further development toward a human vaccine to lower the risk of red meat allergy after tick bites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in or frequently visit areas with Lone Star ticks or who are at risk of tick exposure would be the eventual target population for this vaccine.
Not a fit: People whose meat allergies are caused by factors other than alpha‑gal or who already have long‑established severe alpha‑gal allergy may not benefit from this early-stage vaccine research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce Lone Star tick feeding and lower the chance of developing alpha‑gal (red meat) allergy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work showed mRNA lipid nanoparticles encoding salivary proteins induced ATR against Ixodes scapularis in animals and produced cross-protection, but using mRNA to prevent alpha‑gal via Amblyomma targeting is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narasimhan, Sukanya — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Narasimhan, Sukanya
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.