How maternal antibodies affect dengue virus infection in children

Maternal Antibody-Mediated Enhancement of Dengue Pathogenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY · NIH-11042166

This study is looking at how antibodies from mothers can affect how children respond to dengue virus, especially when these antibodies might make the infection worse, and it aims to find ways to improve protection against dengue for kids.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorLA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11042166 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of maternal antibodies in the immune response to dengue virus, particularly how these antibodies can sometimes enhance the severity of the infection in children. By using mouse models that mimic human infection, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and how certain immune responses can either protect against or worsen dengue disease. The researchers will explore ways to boost specific immune responses that could lead to better protection against dengue in young patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 11 who may be at risk for dengue virus infection.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for dengue virus infection or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing severe dengue infections in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response to dengue can lead to better vaccine strategies, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.