Improving the body's ability to fight off infections like flu and RSV
Targeted genetic engineering of B cells to induce protective antibody responses to pathogens
This work aims to create a new way to help your body's immune cells make protective antibodies against common respiratory viruses and other pathogens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11315200 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many common respiratory viruses, like influenza and RSV, cause serious illness and there isn't always a good vaccine available. This project is developing a new method to genetically modify your B cells, which are immune cells that produce antibodies. The goal is to teach these B cells to make specific antibodies that can protect against viruses. This approach could offer a more effective way to prevent or fight off infections, especially for viruses that are hard to vaccinate against.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is focused on developing the technology, but future applications would likely target individuals at high risk for severe respiratory viral infections or those who do not respond well to traditional vaccines.
Not a fit: Patients who are not susceptible to the targeted viral infections or who have healthy immune responses to existing vaccines may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that provide long-lasting protection against severe viral infections, potentially reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by Dr. Justin Taylor's laboratory has already shown that this strategy can produce protective antibodies against influenza, RSV, and human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adair, Jennifer Eileen — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Adair, Jennifer Eileen
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.