Understanding the Yellow Fever Vaccine and Rare Side Effects

Unraveling yellow fever 17D vaccine attenuation: The role of type I interferon and innate immunity

['FUNDING_R01'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11138557

This work helps us understand how the yellow fever vaccine protects most people and why a small number experience serious reactions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138557 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective, but a few individuals experience severe side effects. This project explores how our body's immune system, particularly a defense mechanism called type I interferon, interacts with the vaccine. Researchers found that stronger interferon responses might be key to the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. They also discovered specific genetic changes and immune factors that might make some people more likely to have severe reactions. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to make the vaccine even safer and develop ways to prevent or treat these rare side effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding immune responses in individuals who receive the yellow fever vaccine, especially those who experience adverse reactions.

Not a fit: Patients who have not received the yellow fever vaccine or who are not at risk for yellow fever infection would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer yellow fever vaccines and better ways to prevent or treat severe side effects.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on previous findings by the researchers and others, linking type I interferon responses and specific genetic factors to vaccine attenuation and adverse events.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.