Recombinant protein vaccine to prevent chlamydia
Development of a recombinant protein vaccine for Chlamydia trachomatis
This project aims to create a new protein-based vaccine to protect people—especially reproductive-age women—from chlamydia and its reproductive complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307132 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a nasal vaccine that uses a Chlamydia protein called CPAF linked to immune-boosting ingredients to teach the immune system to block infection. The approach combines CpG and a STING agonist (CDA) inside a squalene nanoemulsion (AS03) to stimulate the right type of T cells and antibodies in mucosal tissues. The team is testing whether covalently linking the protein to adjuvants improves immune activation, lowers needed doses, and reduces side effects. Early work includes laboratory studies and animal tests and is informed by immune studies from women who had chlamydia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be sexually active people at risk for chlamydia, particularly reproductive-age women who want protection against infection and related reproductive complications.
Not a fit: People who already have irreversible reproductive damage from past chlamydia or those with severe immune suppression may not gain direct benefit from the vaccine itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could prevent chlamydia infections and reduce infertility and other reproductive harms linked to the disease.
How similar studies have performed: Past chlamydia vaccine efforts have had limited clinical success, but similar antigen-plus-adjuvant strategies have protected animals and show promise though human benefit is not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Darville, Toni — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Darville, Toni
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.