Biomaterial vaccine to enhance the formation of SARS-CoV-2-specific T memory stem cells

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Grant Award Details

Grant Type:
Discovery Research Projects
Grant Number:
DISC2COVID19-11838
Investigator(s):
Name:
Prof. Song Li
Institution:
University of California, Los Angeles
Type:
PI

Disease Focus:
COVID-19, Infectious Disease
Human Stem Cell Use:
Adult or Tissue Stem Cell
Award Value:
$149,916
Status:
Closed

Progress Reports

Reporting Period:
Year 1

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Biomaterial vaccine to enhance the formation of SARS-CoV-2-specific T memory stem cells

Public Abstract:
Research Objective

The objective of this project is to develop an injectable biomaterial platform that can induce TMSCs and boost immunoactivation to vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, which will help protect elderly people.

Impact

This approach will boost T memory stem cell production to enhance immunization, and address the low/weak immunoresponses to vaccines, especially in the elderly and patients with immune deficiency.

Major Proposed Activities

  • Fabricate artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). (month 1 – month 3)
  • Enhanced affinity and prolonged release of cytokines. (month 2 – month 4)
  • Preparation and integration of biomaterial vaccine. (month 3– month 5)
  • Engineer the fate and functions of murine and human T cells in vitro. (month 5 – month 8)
  • Perform in vivo immunization assays. (month 8 – month 10)
  • Study the formation of TMSCs in vivo. (month 9 – month 11)
Statement of Benefit to California:
Vaccine will be essential to stop the spread of COVID-19 in California and world wide. However, vaccine may not be effective enough for the people who need them most: elderly population who have declined immunue responses to vaccines. The biomaterial-based vaccine proposed here will boost the effectiveness of the vaccination for the elderly people and patients with other diseases, and will help fight COVID-19 virus, flus and other infectious diseases.

Publications