Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of California, Irvine received a $721,365 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031. This award supports research and development of an innovative single-dose influenza vaccine platform designed to overcome limitations posed by viral antigenic drift. The research combines nanoparticle-based antigen presentation of H5 hemagglutinin with a thermo-responsive polymer depot system that provides extended, controlled-release antigen exposure. This approach aims to generate enhanced immune durability, broader cross-reactivity against viral variants, and improved protection against H5N1 avian influenza infection.

Under this award, UCI will conduct research to optimize the nanoparticle-hydrogel vaccine platform and characterize the mechanisms contributing to its immunological efficacy. Key research activities include determining optimal conditions for vaccine formulation, incorporating multiple antigens to generate both homosubtypic and heterosubtypic immune responses, and evaluating cross-protective immunity against influenza variants. The project builds upon preliminary findings demonstrating that extended antigen exposure kinetics can increase antibody titers and broaden neutralizing antibody responses compared to conventional bolus vaccination approaches, addressing a critical public health challenge in vaccine development against evolving influenza strains.