Nasal nanoparticle vaccine to boost airway protection against tuberculosis and other lung infections
Novel Nanoparticle Respiratory Tract Mucosal Vaccine
This project develops a tiny-particle nasal vaccine designed to boost local immune defenses in the airways to help prevent tuberculosis and other respiratory infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325905 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating nanoparticles that deliver TB-related proteins directly to the airway lining so local immune cells can respond. In animal models the vaccine is given into the nose or lungs to trigger mucosal antibodies (IgA and IgG) and T cell responses including Th17, Th1, and cytotoxic cells. The team measures immune signals such as IFN-γ, IL-17, perforin, and granzyme B and tests whether vaccinated animals resist infection. If these preclinical results are promising, the approach could move toward human testing to protect people at risk of TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk of tuberculosis or other respiratory infections—for example those in high-transmission areas or with close exposure to TB—would be the likely candidates for this approach in future trials.
Not a fit: People with active tuberculosis disease, severe immunosuppression, or conditions unrelated to respiratory infections are unlikely to benefit from this vaccine strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine approach could strengthen local lung immunity and lower the chance of developing tuberculosis or other airborne infections.
How similar studies have performed: Similar mucosal vaccine strategies have shown promising immune protection in animal studies, but evidence from human trials is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinn, Frederick D — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Quinn, Frederick D
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.