How children's immune cells create lasting protection after the flu vaccine
B and Tfh cell dynamics underlying durable antibody responses to flu vaccine in children
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11320806
This project looks at how immune cells in children respond to the cell-based flu vaccine to understand why some kids keep strong antibody protection longer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11320806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use blood and serum samples from children and young adults who received the cell-based quadrivalent flu vaccine to study B cells and T follicular helper (TFH) cells. They will apply high-dimensional and multi-omic laboratory tests to map cell types, gene networks, and antibody features linked to long-lived plasma cells. Samples taken over time will be compared to see how sustained germinal center and TFH responses relate to lasting antibody levels. The team aims to identify signatures that predict durable immunity after vaccination.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are children and adolescents who received the cell-based quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and can provide blood samples at scheduled visits.
Not a fit: People who did not receive the cell-based IIV4 vaccine or who cannot give blood samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict which children will have long-lasting flu protection and inform vaccines that give better, longer immunity.
How similar studies have performed: Mouse studies and prior multi-omic human vaccine research support this approach, but applying it specifically to TFH-driven long-lived plasma cell generation in children is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SINGH, HARINDER — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: SINGH, HARINDER
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.