How existing immunity affects the spread of influenza viruses in the air
Official title: Role of preexisting immunity on airborne transmission of influenza viruses
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11007241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how having had the flu before affects how easily the flu spreads in the air, using ferrets to help understand this, and it also checks how changes in immunity and the virus itself influence this spread, while testing different vaccines to see how well they protect against new flu strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $683,741 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158484-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of influenza infections or vaccinations who may be at risk for airborne transmission of the virus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never been infected with influenza or vaccinated against it may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pre-existing immunity from previous influenza infections influences the ability of influenza viruses to spread through the air. Using ferrets as a model, the study aims to identify the immunological and viral factors that affect susceptibility to airborne transmission. It will also explore how seasonal changes in population immunity and the evolution of the virus impact transmission dynamics. Additionally, the research will assess the effectiveness of different vaccine platforms in providing protection against new strains of the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing the spread of influenza viruses, potentially reducing the incidence of seasonal epidemics and pandemics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar approaches have shown promising results in understanding the role of immunity in influenza transmission, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lakdawala, Seema S. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Lakdawala, Seema S.
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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.