Using nutrition to improve vaccine effectiveness

Harnessing nutrition to enhance vaccine responses

['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11048545

This study is looking at how eating fewer calories might help your body respond better to vaccines, especially for new viruses like COVID-19, and it hopes to find ways to improve vaccine effectiveness for everyone.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11048545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how nutritional strategies, specifically caloric restriction, can enhance the immune response to vaccines against emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV2 and others. By studying the molecular mechanisms and interactions involved, the research aims to uncover how caloric restriction can boost immunological memory and improve pathogen control. The findings could lead to new therapies that mimic the immune-enhancing effects of caloric restriction, potentially benefiting vaccine responses in humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are receiving vaccines for emerging infectious diseases and are interested in nutritional interventions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving vaccines or those with conditions that prevent them from undergoing caloric restriction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine responses and better protection against infectious diseases for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that caloric restriction can significantly enhance immune responses in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

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.