Multivalent protein on virus-like particles to protect against valley fever in older adults
Official title: Multivalent display of a recombinant Ag2/PRA-CSA protein on the surface of highly immunogenic bacteriophage VLPs as a novel approach to elicit protective immune responses against Coccidioides fungi
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-11373947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new vaccine approach using a recombinant protein displayed on tiny virus-like particles aims to boost protection against valley fever for people 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $444,765 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI193350-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65 and older) at risk for severe valley fever or with risk factors such as diabetes or smoking.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk factors or those who do not respond to vaccines may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a multivalent display of a Coccidioides protein on immunogenic virus-like particles to trigger a strong antibody response. It targets an older population at higher risk of severe lung complications from valley fever. The study envisions a 2-year funding window to develop and test this vaccine strategy in preclinical and early clinical stages. If successful, it could lead to a safer vaccine option for seniors who are more vulnerable to serious infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, older adults may gain protection against valley fever with fewer side effects than current antifungals.
How similar studies have gone: VLP-based vaccines showing robust immune responses have been explored for other pathogens, with some promising early results.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tumban, Ebenezer — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Tumban, Ebenezer
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.