Nanoparticle spike vaccine for COVID-19 and future coronaviruses
Self-Assembling Spike-EBR Nanoparticles as a Vaccine Platform Technology Against SARS-CoV-2 and Future Pandemic Coronaviruses
This project aims to create a nanoparticle vaccine that could give stronger, longer, and broader protection against COVID-19 and related coronaviruses for people everywhere.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192352 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses a self-assembling nanoparticle technology (EBR nanoparticles) to display the coronavirus spike protein in a way that may drive much higher antibody responses than current mRNA vaccines. The team will design and test modified spike-containing nanoparticles in the lab and in preclinical models to find formulations that work with single low doses and target conserved virus parts. The goal is to boost neutralizing antibody levels and focus immunity on shared epitopes so protection extends across variants and related coronaviruses. If results are promising, the approach could move toward human testing and broader vaccine development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: If this program advances to clinical trials, ideal candidates would be adults who want improved or broader protection against COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for an active COVID-19 infection or those with unrelated medical conditions would not receive direct benefit from this preclinical work now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to vaccines that provide stronger, longer-lasting, and broader protection against current and future coronavirus variants with fewer doses.
How similar studies have performed: Protein nanoparticle vaccines have produced higher antibody levels than some mRNA platforms in early studies, but a truly universal coronavirus vaccine has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffmann, Magnus Adrian Gero — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Hoffmann, Magnus Adrian Gero
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.