VLP vaccines targeting PorB to block gonorrhea infection
Official title: Project 2 - VLP-based vaccines displaying PorB peptides that induce functional antibodies (CIIG)
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11394900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A vaccine approach using virus-like particles to trigger antibodies against PorB protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, aiming to prevent gonorrhea by blocking the bacteria’s defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $528,879 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI189178-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for gonorrhea who may benefit from a future vaccination option (e.g., sexually active adults in high-incidence settings).
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage vaccine development may not benefit individuals who already have immunity or those outside the target risk population.
What this research studies
This project develops a PorB-targeted vaccine delivered on bacteriophage virus-like particles to provoke antibodies that interfere with the bacteria’s immune evasion. Researchers will test different PorB loop regions to find those that stimulate strong, protective antibody responses. They will measure how well these antibodies bind PorB and block its interaction with human immune regulators, and then assess protection in a mouse model of gonorrhea. The work is designed to advance a vaccine strategy that could complement antibiotics and reduce disease burden.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this vaccine approach could contribute to preventing gonorrhea infections and curb antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Related vaccine strategies using VLPs and surface antigens have shown promise in preclinical models, supporting this approach's potential.
Where this research is happening
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Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chackerian, Bryce C — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Chackerian, Bryce C
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.