Measuring how B cells bind to influenza and coronavirus variants
Assessing functional immunity to influenza infection by quantifying BCR binding avidities
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11231262
This project uses a new lab tool to measure how strongly people's B cells' receptors stick to flu and related coronavirus variants to help understand immune protection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231262 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I would give a small blood sample so researchers can capture my memory B cells and use a microfluidic device to measure how tightly each cell's receptor binds virus proteins. The test looks at the full range of binding strengths across my B cells instead of only measuring antibodies in my blood. That can show whether my immune memory might recognize older or newer flu or SARS‑CoV‑2 variants. The team will compare many people's samples to link binding strength with likely protection and to inform vaccine update decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults who have had influenza or COVID-19 or who have received relevant vaccines and who can donate small blood samples for testing.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment for an acute illness or those unable or unwilling to provide blood samples would not receive direct clinical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors and public health officials know when vaccines should be updated and predict who is likely protected against new flu or COVID variants.
How similar studies have performed: Early proof-of-concept work shows a microfluidic platform can capture B cell binding avidity, but using it broadly to predict protection against evolving influenza and SARS‑CoV‑2 is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GEORGE, STEVEN CARL — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: GEORGE, STEVEN CARL
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.