New mRNA vaccines to prevent tuberculosis for adolescents and adults
Official title: Development of Novel mRNA Vaccines Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Funded at International AIDS Vaccine Initiative · NIH-11360153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new mRNA vaccine approach aims to prevent TB in teens and adults and reduce transmission, using advanced vaccine technology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | International AIDS Vaccine Initiative NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $542,176 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AI169132-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adolescents and adults at risk for TB exposure or disease, particularly in high-burden settings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for TB or those not eligible for future vaccine trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses Moderna’s mRNA vaccine platform to create novel TB vaccines that target diverse TB antigens. It focuses on vaccines that could protect adolescents and adults from developing TB and potentially curb spread. The work progresses through preclinical stages with an emphasis on improving antigen diversity and immune responses. If successful, it could lead to faster, more effective vaccines for a global TB threat, especially where HIV and diabetes complicate disease. Researchers will test vaccine candidates in relevant models to inform future human studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine candidates could lead to a safer, more effective TB vaccine for teens and adults, reducing illness and transmission.
How similar studies have gone: TB vaccine development with new platforms has shown promise in preclinical stages, but antigen diversity remains a challenge; this project is a novel approach using mRNA.
Where this research is happening
-
International AIDS Vaccine Initiative
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Postler, Thomas Siegmund — International AIDS Vaccine Initiative
- Study coordinator: Postler, Thomas Siegmund
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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.