How maternal antibodies protect infants from group B Streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus.
Functional longevity of maternally derived antibodies against group B Streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus in HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed uninfected infants.
This study is looking at how well antibodies from vaccinated mothers can help protect their babies, especially those at risk for HIV, from serious infections like group B Streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus, which can be dangerous for newborns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project ID | NIH-11010383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of maternal antibodies in protecting infants, particularly those exposed to HIV, from group B Streptococcus (GBS) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are leading causes of neonatal deaths. The study aims to understand how maternal vaccines can enhance antibody levels in mothers and how these antibodies transfer to infants. By examining the longevity and functionality of these antibodies, the research seeks to establish benchmarks for vaccine efficacy, especially in low-middle income countries where these infections are most prevalent. The approach includes immuno-bridging studies to correlate antibody concentrations with disease protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants under 4 weeks old, particularly those who are HIV-exposed but uninfected.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 4 weeks or those who are HIV-infected may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal vaccination strategies that significantly reduce infant mortality from GBS and RSV.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using maternal vaccines to protect infants from infectious diseases, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Rondebosch, South Africa
- University of Cape Town — Rondebosch, South Africa (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dzanibe, Sonwabile — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Dzanibe, Sonwabile
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.