How early flu exposure shapes childhood immunity
DIVINCI: Dissection of Influenza Vaccination and Infection for Childhood Immunity
Researchers will compare whether getting the flu versus getting flu shots in babies leads to stronger, longer-lasting immune protection as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097154 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will follow infants from birth in Managua, Wellington, and Los Angeles to track how their first flu encounters—either infection or vaccination—shape antibody and B and T cell responses. If your child joins, researchers will collect clinical information and blood samples at scheduled visits and after any flu infections or vaccinations. The team will analyze immune cells, antibodies, and gene markers to see how repeated exposures change protection over time. Participation may involve regular clinic visits and occasional sample collection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are newborns and young children (and their parents/caregivers) enrolled in the birth-cohort sites in Managua, Wellington, or Los Angeles.
Not a fit: Adults, older children outside the enrollment age, and people living far from the study sites are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide better infant vaccination timing and vaccine design to give children broader, longer-lasting protection against influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that first flu exposures shape later immunity, but this multi-site birth-cohort with deep B and T cell profiling is a novel, more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webby, Richard John — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Webby, Richard John
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.