How antibody families change after infection or vaccination
Clonal Dynamics of the antibody response
This project looks at how different antibody groups grow, shrink, and change after infections or vaccines to help people facing viruses such as HIV or COVID‑19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11241970 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will track which B cells (the cells that make antibodies) become dominant over time by using advanced multicolor labeling, genetic tracing, and imaging approaches. They will analyze how antibody targets, specificity, and overall diversity shift after initial infection and following booster exposures. Much of the work uses laboratory models and tissue analysis to reveal the rules that shape protective antibody mixtures. The goal is to learn why some antibody responses give broad, lasting protection so that vaccines can be designed to produce better antibody mixtures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a viral infection (for example COVID‑19 or HIV) or who are willing to donate blood or lymphoid tissue after vaccination could be eligible to contribute samples.
Not a fit: If you are seeking a direct treatment or immediate clinical care, this lab-focused research is unlikely to provide direct personal medical benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help design vaccines and therapies that produce broader and longer-lasting antibody protection against viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and laboratory studies have shown clonal narrowing and selection in antibody responses, and this project applies newer multicolor tracking methods to extend those findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Victora, Gabriel D — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Victora, Gabriel D
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.