Identifying changes in influenza virus using patient samples
Use of Clinical Samples to Identify Influenza Virus Antigenic Variants
This study is looking at how flu viruses change over time by examining samples from patients, and it's for anyone interested in improving flu vaccines so they work better against the viruses that are actually out there.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10876233 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how influenza A viruses change over time by analyzing clinical samples from patients. The team aims to develop a new technology that can directly assess the antigenic properties of these viruses without needing to grow them in a lab. By doing so, they hope to improve the selection of vaccine strains that are better matched to circulating viruses, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of flu vaccinations. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods that can distort the virus's characteristics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recently been infected with influenza or have received a flu vaccination.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to influenza or have not received a flu vaccination may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective influenza vaccines that better protect patients from seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that using clinical samples can provide valuable insights into viral evolution, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Xiufeng Henry — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Wan, Xiufeng Henry
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.