Tuesday, May 20, 2025
5/20/2025
Multivalent DNA vaccine-mediated protection against Tuberculosis - An effective TB vaccine remains an elusive goal. The success of BCG in preventing disseminated TB suggests that it is possible to provide complete protection from pulmonary TB or TB infection through an immunization strategy. However, the vaccine-induced responses elicited by the most recent MVA85A phase II vaccine trial were modest and of limited durability compared to BCG. The immune responses induced in a preferred vaccine should also be superior to those observed using BCG alone. Currently, there is no such TB vaccine available, and few groups have the combination of technologies now proven in the clinic to produce such a platform. This innovative program makes major advances in new DNA adaptive EP + gene adjvuant vaccine technology which in the clinic generates T cell immunity equivalent or superior to live viral vector vaccines. We will build on our recent clinical success by newer genetic adjuvants focused on improved T-cell and antibody induction. We concentrate on increasing the breadth of coverage induced by these designed DNA vaccine by exploring the potential of a multivalent DNA vaccine targeting multiple Mtb antigens at both active and latent stages of TB infection. Furthermore, we plan to develop this collection of technologies in a simplified vaccine scheme that has distinct clinical advantages for global testing. There are three aims that comprise this program to address these issues.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).