Finding new ways to identify immune responses to influenza
Official title: Innovations in Functional B Cell Epitope Discovery for Influenza
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11215899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for specific parts of the flu virus that can help our immune system recognize and fight off different strains of the virus, which could lead to better vaccines and treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,614,084 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00074-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11215899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals who are at high risk for influenza infections, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or who have already developed effective immunity to the virus may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to discover and validate new human B cell epitopes that trigger antibody responses to influenza infections. By focusing on broadly conserved epitopes across various influenza types, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of immune memory and its effectiveness against different strains of the virus. The approach involves in vitro techniques to identify these epitopes, which could lead to improved vaccines and treatments for influenza. Patients may benefit from advancements in influenza prevention and treatment stemming from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and treatments for influenza, potentially reducing the impact of seasonal epidemics and pandemics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying immune responses to influenza, but this approach focusing on broadly conserved B cell epitopes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelsoe, Garnett — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kelsoe, Garnett
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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.