Boosting lung B cells to create long-lasting protection against respiratory viruses
Manipulating alpha(v) integrins on B cells to promote lung-resident B cell responses
This project looks at ways to help B cells in the lungs make stronger, longer-lasting antibody protection against respiratory viruses for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295936 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how viral infection triggers long-lived B cell and antibody responses right in the lungs, where respiratory viruses enter. They focus on a family of proteins called αv integrins on B cells that seem to limit B cell responses, and in mice removing these integrins increased long-lived protective B cells. The team uses laboratory models, genetic tools to change integrin expression on B cells, and measures mucosal antibodies and memory B cells after infection or vaccine-like exposures. Their goal is to design approaches that mimic the protective lung B cell responses so vaccines can work better at the site of infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual human trials would be people who want better protection from mucosal respiratory viruses—such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2—or those at higher risk of severe respiratory infection.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to respiratory infections or those with severe B cell immunodeficiencies may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to vaccines or treatments that give stronger, longer-lasting protection in the nose and lungs against influenza, coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that lung-resident B cells and mucosal antibodies can protect against respiratory viruses, but specifically targeting αv integrins on B cells is a newer strategy with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Acharya, Mridu — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Acharya, Mridu
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.