How pre-existing anti-staphylococcal antibodies and B cells can affect vaccines
Official title: Mechanisms of vaccine interference induced by pre-existing anti-staphylococcal antibodies and B cells
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11552698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Washington State University will explore why antibodies and B cells from prior Staphylococcus aureus exposure may weaken or alter responses to vaccines against SA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2026 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $799,380 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI190409-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with prior Staphylococcus aureus exposure or infection who may be at risk for SA disease or vaccine failure.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without prior SA exposure may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project looks at how prior SA exposure creates non-protective immune signals, including changes to antibody binding and Fc sialylation, which can undermine vaccine effectiveness. It will use animal models to examine how SA-induced cytokines and IL-10–producing B cells influence germinal center reactions and the quality of the antibody response. The researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that cause vaccines to work less well in individuals with pre-existing SA immunity, with the goal of informing better vaccine designs. This work could guide the development of vaccines that overcome immune imprinting and improve protection against SA infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to vaccines that perform better in people with prior SA exposure, reducing the risk of SA illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that prior exposure can shape subsequent antibody responses, but this project explicitly links imprinting with vaccine interference and Fc function.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Chih-Ming — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Chih-Ming
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.