Structure-guided design to boost RSV G protein immunogens
Official title: Structure-guided engineering to increase respiratory syncytial virus G protein immunogenicity
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11325279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at creating RSV vaccines for young children by engineering RSV G protein pieces to trigger strong, protective immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $754,322 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI166066-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals or populations at risk of severe RSV disease, particularly young children, though this is a preclinical/early translational project primarily using structural and immunogenic analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or non-RSV affected populations may not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
What this research studies
This project uses structural biology to design multimeric forms of the RSV G protein that present key protective epitopes. It will map epitopes recognized by protective antibodies, engineer enhanced immunogens, and test them for improved immune responses. The study will analyze immune outcomes, including antibody quality and cytokine profiles, to understand how the engineered proteins influence protection. All work centers on laying the groundwork for a vaccine approach that could help children under 11 years old and other at-risk groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a more effective RSV vaccine strategy for young children and other vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous RSV structural studies informed design of candidate immunogens, with ongoing exploration of multimeric antigen formats showing promise in eliciting stronger responses.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dubois, Rebecca Michelle — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Dubois, Rebecca Michelle
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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.