Nasal universal flu vaccine using a novel nanoplatform
Official title: Exposing versus Hiding: A Novel Nanoplatform for Nasal Universal Flu Vaccines
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-11438959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nasal flu vaccine approach aims to protect the respiratory tract against many flu strains by delivering a universal vaccine built from conserved parts of the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $197,552 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202743-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include people at risk for influenza who would benefit from a non-injectable, broadly protective vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals seeking vaccines that target only a single flu strain or who are unlikely to participate in nasal vaccine trials may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a nasal vaccine strategy that uses tiny vesicles to present conserved influenza features to the immune system, with the goal of triggering strong local and systemic protection. It focuses on overcoming delivery and adjuvant challenges that limit cross-strain protection seen with injections. The approach aims to elicit mucosal immune responses, such as secretory IgA, and stimulate lung memory T cells for faster recall in future infections. The work is conducted at Georgia State University under the PI Baozhong Wang and aligns with airway infection prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to a nasal flu vaccine that offers broad protection across many flu strains and improve protection in the airways.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work on conserved flu elements has shown partial protection; this project seeks to improve outcomes with a novel nasal delivery approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Baozhong — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Baozhong
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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.