# Novel Hepatitis B Vaccine and Immunotherapy

> **NIH NIH R56** · SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE · 2024 · $883,119

## Abstract

Project Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects over 250 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of liver
cirrhosis and cancer in many countries. The unique life cycle of HBV involves the generation of
covalently closed circular double stranded DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of an infected cell for
viral gene transcription and persistence. Current treatments only suppress viral replication. To
cure HBV, it will likely require a combination of drugs targeting the virus as well as boosting
antiviral immunity. In this project, we will apply the mRNA vaccine technology as a potent
vaccine and immunotherapy against HBV. A major scientific challenge is that the HBV vaccine
antigen, S, can disrupt protein homeostasis (proteostasis) leading to protein accumulation and
undesirable ER stress in the mammalian cells overexpressing the protein. We will investigate
the viral and cellular factors that hinder effective antigen expression, and improve the vaccine
antigens for elicitation of potent antibody and T cell responses to cure HBV infection. Success in
this project will also create new opportunities in the development of a multivalent mRNA vaccine
against common human pathogens.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11136655
- **Project number:** 1R56AI171444-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE
- **Principal Investigator:** Mansun Law
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $883,119
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-21 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11136655

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11136655, Novel Hepatitis B Vaccine and Immunotherapy (1R56AI171444-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11136655. Licensed CC0.

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