Unraveling why the yellow fever vaccine works and why rare reactions happen
Official title: Unraveling yellow fever 17D vaccine attenuation: The role of type I interferon and innate immunity
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11373046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how the yellow fever 17D vaccine triggers the immune system and why a small number of people have serious adverse reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2016 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $846,776 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI124690-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals may benefit indirectly, but this grant does not enroll patients in a trial; findings may guide future human studies and safety recommendations.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described; the work is primarily laboratory-based.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how the live yellow fever vaccine activates type I interferon pathways and innate immunity, using human cell models and related approaches. They will explore genetic factors, autoantibodies, and interactions with host receptors that may influence vaccine attenuation and safety. The study builds on prior findings about interferon responses and viral mutations to identify mechanisms behind protection and rare SAEs, with aims to improve safer vaccines and prevention strategies. Results could inform how to predict who might be at risk and how to mitigate adverse events in future vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of vaccine safety could lead to safer vaccines and reduced risk of severe adverse events for some individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked interferon responses and vaccine attenuation to safety, suggesting a plausible path forward, though some aspects are still novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Charles M — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Rice, Charles M
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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.