How antibodies to Zika and related viruses behave to help make safer vaccines
Anti-flavivirus B cell response analysis to aid vaccine design
Researchers are comparing antibody responses to Zika and dengue viruses to help design safer vaccines for people at risk, including pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11254884 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks closely at B cells and the antibodies they make against Zika and related flaviviruses to find which responses protect and which might make dengue infections worse. The team will analyze human blood samples and immune cells and also use animal models and lab tests to map where antibodies bind on viral proteins. They will pay special attention to antibodies targeting the prM-E proteins, which can sometimes cross-react with dengue and cause antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The findings will guide how vaccine ingredients are shaped to avoid harmful antibody responses while keeping strong protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who live in or travel to areas where Zika or dengue circulate, and pregnant people concerned about Zika risks, are the kinds of people who might be involved in sample collection or future vaccine trials.
Not a fit: People not exposed to Zika or dengue or those unable or unwilling to give blood samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to Zika vaccine designs that protect people without increasing the risk of severe dengue infections.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody-mapping approaches have helped vaccine design for other viruses, but avoiding dengue cross-reactivity and ADE remains a challenging and partially unresolved problem.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yuxing — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Li, Yuxing
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.