How infection and vaccination shape antibody-making B cells
Structure-function analysis of infection- and vaccine-induced B-cell repertoires
['FUNDING_P01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11323158
Researchers are comparing how infections and vaccines change people's antibody-making B cells across all ages to help create longer-lasting flu and related-virus vaccines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323158 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you may be asked to give blood so researchers can study the antibodies and B cells your immune system makes after infection or vaccination. The team will look at people from infants to seniors to see how past exposures shape responses to new flu strains. Parallel experiments in monkeys and mice will test how where and how a vaccine is given changes future immunity. Scientists will also study antibody shapes and functions in the lab to identify patterns that could guide better vaccine designs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people of any age who have had or are willing to receive flu vaccines or who have had recent influenza infection and can provide blood samples and vaccination history.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for an active flu infection or those with health issues that prevent blood draws may not receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could point to vaccine approaches that produce broader, longer-lasting protection against changing flu strains and emerging bird-origin subtypes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown immune 'imprinting' and some broadly neutralizing antibodies, but applying those findings to durable, broadly protective vaccines is still a developing and partly untested area.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARRISON, STEPHEN COPLAN — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: HARRISON, STEPHEN COPLAN
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.