Nasal protein COVID-19 vaccine to boost mucosal immunity
Mucosal subunit vaccines against SARS CoV-2
A nasal protein vaccine approach using a novel adjuvant designed to build stronger, longer-lasting nose and lung immunity against COVID-19 for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine given through the nose to create immune memory directly in the airways. The team is combining the vaccine protein with a new adjuvant (BcfA) that favors TH1 and TH17 immune responses linked to durable mucosal protection. Researchers aim to generate tissue-resident memory T cells, specialized helper T cells, and long-lived B cells that make neutralizing antibodies against variants. Work includes laboratory and preclinical vaccine testing and paves the way for future human trials targeting adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 years and older, especially those seeking improved protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and variants, would be the primary candidates for related trials.
Not a fit: People under 21 years of age, and some individuals with severe immune suppression or contraindications to vaccination, may not be eligible or may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could give better, longer-lasting protection in the nose and lungs and reduce infection and spread from variants.
How similar studies have performed: Intranasal vaccines have shown promise in preclinical and some early clinical work, but using the BcfA adjuvant to drive long-lived TH1/TH17 mucosal memory is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dubey, Purnima — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Dubey, Purnima
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.