Rewilding Immunology: How Diverse Mice Predict Human Immune Responses to Vaccines
Official title: Rewilding Immunology: Response profiles and side effects of immunization in natural vs. controlled genetic backgrounds
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-11444991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team at Auburn University will study how genetically diverse mice respond to nanoparticle-based vaccines to better predict what might happen in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $439,335 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI203529-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals or patients who would benefit from improved vaccine safety and efficacy data driven by better animal models, though this study is primarily preclinical.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit may be limited until findings are translated into human trials; the study itself does not enroll people.
What this research studies
This project compares immune responses to vaccines in inbred lab mice versus wild-derived mice to understand how genetic diversity affects efficacy and side effects. By examining baseline and vaccine-induced immune profiles, researchers aim to identify how more variable models reflect human responses. The study uses nanoparticle delivery systems for DNA/mRNA vaccines and looks at antibody formation and TNF-α related signals across different genetic backgrounds. The goal is to improve preclinical testing so that successful vaccines in mice translate more reliably to humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better preclinical models that predict human vaccine responses more accurately, potentially accelerating safer and more effective vaccines.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that wild-derived mice exhibit more human-like immune responses than inbred strains, supporting the approach's potential impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hood, Wendy R — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Hood, Wendy R
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.