How human antibodies fight Lassa and related arenaviruses
Genetic, structural and functional profiling of the human antibody response to arenavirus infection
Researchers are mapping how human antibodies recognize and block Lassa and other arenaviruses to help people at risk of these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160525 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or your community are affected by Lassa fever, this project looks at real human antibodies to learn what makes them protective. Scientists collect antibody samples and use high-throughput genetic, functional, and structural tests to see which antibodies work across different arenaviruses. The team compares antibody genes, measures their ability to neutralize virus, and determines detailed 3D structures to find common targets. Those findings are meant to guide new vaccines and antibody medicines that could protect people in affected regions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people from areas where Lassa or other arenaviruses circulate, including survivors or exposed individuals willing to provide blood samples at partner clinics.
Not a fit: People without exposure to arenaviruses or those needing immediate medical care for acute illness would be unlikely to gain direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to vaccines or antibody treatments that prevent or treat Lassa fever and related arenavirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody-mapping approaches have helped produce vaccines and treatments for other viruses, but broadly protective antibodies against arenaviruses are still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Briney, Bryan — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Briney, Bryan
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.