How our immune system affects how flu spreads through the air
Official title: Immune mechanisms shaping airborne influenza transmission
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11451501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how our antibodies and environmental factors like temperature and humidity influence how airborne flu spreads, with studies in animals and people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,987,706 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI202802-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with influenza exposure or infection, and those at risk of severe flu, may benefit from insights on transmission and prevention.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals not at risk of infection may see indirect benefits through public health improvements.
What this research studies
The program aims to connect how pre-existing immunity and environmental conditions shape the transmission of flu through aerosols. Researchers will combine studies in animals and humans with computer models to map the steps from infected donors to recipients. The work focuses on how antibodies and T cells affect shedding and susceptibility, and how temperature and humidity influence aerosol stability. Findings could guide new vaccines and interventions to prevent both illness and spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better vaccines and strategies to reduce flu transmission by targeting immune factors and environmental conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies show that immunity and environmental conditions can influence transmission, but this program integrates both in a multi-scale framework.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Xiufeng Henry — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Wan, Xiufeng Henry
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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.