Helping flu vaccines train the immune system to target the virus's stable stalk
Shifting immunodominance of humoral immunity against influenza viruses
This project aims to help vaccines teach adults' immune systems to make longer‑lasting antibodies that hit the stable "stalk" part of the flu virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are designing vaccine approaches that encourage immune cells to focus on the conserved stalk region of the flu virus rather than the changing head. They will study how B cells grab and present viral pieces to helper T cells and how that drives which antibodies are made. The team will use laboratory experiments and immune samples to see which vaccine features favor durable, broadly protective antibodies. Their goal is a vaccine strategy that avoids recruiting new B cells against variable head regions and instead builds lasting stalk-focused immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who get seasonal flu vaccines or volunteers willing to give blood samples before and after vaccination.
Not a fit: People with an active flu infection seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to flu vaccines that protect against many strains for longer, reducing infections and severe illness.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown that some infections and vaccines can boost stalk-targeting antibodies, but a widely effective stalk-based flu vaccine is not yet in routine use.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guthmiller, Jenna — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Guthmiller, Jenna
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.