Vaccines to prevent and help treat lung infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria
Targeted vaccines against pulmonary NTM infections in vulnerable populations
Two kinds of vaccines are being developed to boost protection and help treatment for people at risk of or living with NTM lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I'm at risk for NTM lung infections, this project aims to create two vaccine types: a subunit vaccine paired with clinically vetted adjuvants and a novel replicon RNA vaccine that makes four key bacterial proteins. The team will screen 13 candidate antigens against more than 1,700 clinical NTM isolates and use a lab test that measures whether immune cells can stop bacterial growth to pick the best antigens. The top antigen combinations will be mixed with three adjuvants and tested in animals to see if they reduce lung bacteria and improve outcomes when given with antibiotics. Successful candidates would then move toward further safety testing and possible human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk for NTM lung disease—for example those with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, prior NTM infection, or on immunosuppressive therapies—would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without exposure risk, those with infections caused by unrelated bacteria, or patients needing immediate treatment may not benefit from this early-stage, preclinical vaccine work right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these vaccines could prevent NTM lung disease in at-risk people and improve or shorten antibiotic treatment when used as an adjunct.
How similar studies have performed: Some tuberculosis vaccines and modern RNA or adjuvanted subunit vaccine platforms have shown promise, but vaccines specifically targeting NTM are largely novel and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coler, Rhea N — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Coler, Rhea N
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 below.