How sex differences affect vaccine responses
Official title: mTOR activation as a mechanism for sex differences in vaccine-induced immunity
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10997676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female affects how well vaccines work, especially for the flu, by exploring how hormones like estrogen might help women produce more antibodies; the goal is to find ways to make vaccines even better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2024 |
| Project end | December 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,764 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI186453-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adult females aged 18-49 who are receiving vaccinations, particularly for influenza.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the specified age range or who are male may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biological sex influences the immune response to vaccines, particularly focusing on the differences observed between females and males after influenza vaccination. It aims to understand the role of estrogens in enhancing antibody production in females, which may be linked to the activation of a cellular pathway known as mTOR. By studying B cell activation and energy metabolism, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind these sex differences in vaccine-induced immunity. The findings could lead to improved vaccine strategies tailored to different sexes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that are tailored to enhance immune responses in both males and females.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that sex differences significantly impact vaccine responses, indicating that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely untested territory.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St Clair, Laura Athelle — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: St Clair, Laura Athelle
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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.