Creating vaccines that protect against influenza B viruses
Official title: Development of broadly-protective vaccines for influenza B viruses
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10872270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new flu vaccine that aims to protect against different types of influenza B viruses, and it's designed for anyone who wants better protection from the flu, especially those at risk of serious illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $522,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AI159937-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for influenza B infections, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza B or those who have already been vaccinated with current vaccines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing vaccines that provide broad protection against influenza B viruses, which are known to cause significant illness and death. The approach involves creating mutant versions of the virus's hemagglutinin protein to enhance immune responses across different strains. The researchers will first generate candidate vaccine viruses and then test their effectiveness in ferrets, a common model for studying influenza. By mapping the antigenic properties of these proteins, the goal is to create a more effective and long-lasting vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that protects against multiple strains of influenza B, reducing the incidence of illness and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing broadly protective vaccines for influenza A viruses, but this approach for influenza B is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kawaoka, Yoshihiro — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Kawaoka, Yoshihiro
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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.