How childhood flu exposures shape immunity to future pandemic viruses
Official title: Immune imprinting and immune responses to influenza viruses with pandemic potential
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11432486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH project studies how the flu we encounter in childhood shapes our antibody responses to different flu strains later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,160,180 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201475-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with varied birth years whose prior influenza exposures may influence their antibody profiles.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure history data or those not involved in serological studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The research looks at how early-life flu exposures create lasting immune imprints that influence cross‑reactive antibodies to avian and other pandemic-threat flu viruses. Using serology, researchers will evaluate antibodies against many HA and NA subtypes across birth cohorts and test whether these cross-reactive antibodies relate to age‑related protection patterns. The team will also use a humanized mouse model to explore whether these cross‑reactive antibodies contribute to protection against infection. The work aims to connect childhood exposure history with potential future immunity to diverse influenza strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding immune imprinting could inform more effective vaccines and better protection strategies against future influenza pandemics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown age-related differences in cross-reactive antibodies, with ongoing studies validating these patterns in broader populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hensley, Scott Eric — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hensley, Scott Eric
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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.