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Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines

NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

open
OpenLast verified: 2026-06-20

About This Grant

PROJECT SUMMARY: SKIN-TARGETED METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK-BASED SUBUNIT VACCINES Driven by their affordability, manufacturability, and safety benefits over traditional vaccines, subunit antigens are an important component of modern vaccinology. However, they exhibit poor immunogenicity and efficacy, and thus, new and rational strategies are required to improve their immunogenicity and efficacy. We propose a novel skin immunization platform (SIP) to address the limitations of vaccine development with subunit antigens. Our innovative and globally deployable SIP leverages emerging vaccine technologies, including (1) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanovaccine constructs; (2) a clinically de-risked adjuvant, and (3) needle-free, thermostable, and self-applied microneedle arrays (MNAs), as well as highly immunoresponsive skin niche for the development of effective and accessible subunit vaccines. The central hypothesis of our project is that in situ harnessing of the immunologically rich milieu of skin with our SIP in a spatially and temporally controlled manner will drive the generation of robust, durable antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses in a well-tolerated manner. Our SIP is engineered in the form of rapidly separable MNAs (rsMNAs) that consist of high-quality obelisk-shaped microneedles comprising dissolving polymer matrix tips loaded with MOF vaccine constructs and non-dissolvable stems with filleted bases attached to the backing layer. Unlike traditional MNAs that require relatively longer wear times (minutes), our rsMNA design, which is enabled by the unique ability of biodegradable MOFs in protecting vaccine components against denaturing organic solvents needed to form non-dissolvable stems of microneedles, facilitates the implantation of MOF vaccines into the skin in less than 10 s via shear force. Our SIP offers the superior vaccine delivery and immunogenicity characteristics compared to needle-and-syringe (N&S) vaccines and conventional MNA-based vaccines. As such, our SIP unlocks the true potential of the skin immune system for improved cutaneous vaccination strategies with subunit antigens. Ultimately, this project will yield a rapidly translatable SIP that will provide unparalleled flexibility and efficacy for vaccination with subunit antigens, which is unattainable with the state-of-the-art immunization platforms.

Grant Summary

Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines is a NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant providing up to $437K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-01-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.

Focus Areas

health research

Eligibility

universitynonprofithealthcare org

How to Apply

Funding Range

Up to $437K

Deadline

2028-01-31

Complexity
Medium
  1. 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
  2. 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
  3. 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
  4. 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases before the deadline.
This record is a past award, contract, or funder profile — useful for research, but not an open grant application. Check the original source for current opportunities from this funder.

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Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines?

Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines is offered by NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.

How much funding does the Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines provide?

Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines provides up to $437K per award from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.

When is the Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines deadline?

Applications for Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines are due 2028-01-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.

How do you apply for the Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines?

To apply for Skin-Targeted Metal-Organic Framework-Based Subunit Vaccines, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

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