A diverse genetic map of the genes that make antibodies
An ethnically diverse genomic reference resource for the human heavy and light chain immunoglobulin loci
Creating a more inclusive genetic map of the DNA regions that build antibodies to help people of different ancestries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Antibody genes vary a lot between people, but current genetic maps mostly represent European ancestry and miss important differences. This project gathers DNA data from ethnically diverse groups and uses advanced genomic sequencing and analysis to map the heavy and light chain immunoglobulin regions. The team will catalog single-letter changes and larger structural differences to create a comprehensive reference resource. That reference will help researchers interpret antibody responses and improve studies of infections, vaccines, and immune-related diseases across populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of varied ethnic backgrounds who are willing to provide a blood or saliva sample for genetic analysis would be the ideal contributors.
Not a fit: This project is a research resource and is unlikely to offer direct medical treatment or immediate health benefits to individual participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could improve the accuracy of antibody tests and help design treatments and vaccines that work better for people from diverse backgrounds.
How similar studies have performed: Previous efforts have mapped portions of antibody gene regions but lacked broad ancestral diversity, so this work expands and improves on those foundations.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watson, Corey Taylor — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Watson, Corey Taylor
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.