Designing flu vaccines that prompt broad neuraminidase antibodies
Germline targeting for neuraminidase broadly neutralizing antibodies
Researchers are making vaccine pieces to help people's immune systems start producing rare neuraminidase antibodies that could protect against many flu strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262945 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the neuraminidase part of the flu virus and aims to find antibody types that can neutralize many different strains. Scientists will look for rare antibody precursors in the human antibody repertoire and use protein engineering to create immunogens that give those precursors an advantage. The team will use mammalian display directed evolution to refine vaccine components that can engage diverse antibody precursors. Successful designs will move into preclinical animal testing and other validation steps before any human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is preclinical research, so eventual trial participants would likely be healthy adults seeking broader flu protection, but the current project is not enrolling patients.
Not a fit: People already well protected by current flu vaccines or those with certain immune system problems may not benefit from these early-stage efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to vaccines that give broader, longer-lasting protection against many seasonal and pandemic flu strains.
How similar studies have performed: Germline-targeting approaches have shown promise in other vaccine areas like HIV and RSV, but applying this strategy to neuraminidase is largely new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steichen, Jon — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Steichen, Jon
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.