Universal flu vaccine using self-assembling protein nanoparticles to present HA, NA, and M2e
Official title: Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles Presenting Stabilized Hemagglutinin, Neuraminidase, and M2e Antigens for Universal Influenza Vaccine Development
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11429747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new nanoparticle vaccine designed to trigger broad protection against many flu strains for people of all ages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,679,976 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201328-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for influenza infection who would benefit from a universal vaccine approach, including adults and potentially at-risk groups once safety is established.
✕Less likely to help
People who may not directly benefit in early stages include individuals not eligible for vaccination trials or those who cannot participate in early-phase studies.
What this research studies
This project develops a multicomponent nanoparticle vaccine that displays stabilized hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and M2e antigens to induce broad immune responses. By combining these antigens, the approach aims to elicit neutralizing antibodies, anti-NA antibodies, and Fc-mediated protective functions to guard against seasonal and pandemic influenza. The work involves stabilizing the HA, optimizing the particle design, and evaluating immune responses in preclinical models with the goal of advancing toward human trials. If successful, this platform could lead to a universal influenza vaccine with longer-lasting protection. The research is led by Jiang Zhu at Scripps Research Institute and runs from 2026 to 2030.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain broader and longer-lasting protection against a wide range of flu viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior flu vaccine platforms targeting multiple antigens have shown promise in preclinical work, supporting continued development of multicomponent nanoparticle vaccines.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jiang — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jiang
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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.