Boosting antibodies' protective 'tail' to help vaccines and therapies work better
Increasing the protective capacity of antibodies by enhancing Fc-mediated responses
Researchers are trying to strengthen the part of antibodies that calls in immune cells so vaccines and antibody medicines protect people more reliably from bacterial and viral infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332537 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team will study how the antibody 'tail' (the Fc region) helps immune cells and the complement system clear infections. They will test specific changes to antibodies and measure functions like antibody-dependent cell killing and phagocytosis in the lab and in biological models. The work will look at how antibody affinity, sequence changes, and the overall antibody mix in a person affect those Fc-driven actions. Results are meant to guide better vaccine designs and improved antibody treatments for infectious diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk of serious bacterial or viral infections, those receiving antibody treatments or vaccines, or individuals willing to donate blood samples for research could be relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to infection, or those with autoimmune disorders where stronger Fc responses might worsen symptoms, may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make vaccines and antibody therapies more effective against infections, especially when neutralizing antibodies are weak or absent.
How similar studies have performed: Previous antibody engineering and Fc-modification work has improved therapeutic antibodies in lab and some clinical settings, but applying broad, general rules to vaccine-induced antibody repertoires is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barb, Adam Wesley — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Barb, Adam Wesley
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.