Modeling how antibodies interact with viruses to improve pandemic preparedness
Official title: Integrating Atomic-Scale Antigen Modeling and Repertoire-Scale Protein Language Models
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11158297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to predict how our immune system's antibodies will react to viruses, especially during outbreaks, to help create better vaccines and treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $812,398 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AI191253-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with a history of viral infections or those at risk for emerging infectious diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral infections or those not at risk for infectious diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced models to predict how antibodies interact with viral antigens, particularly in the context of emerging pandemics. By integrating molecular dynamics simulations with protein language models, the project aims to create a scalable and accurate system that can anticipate mutations in viruses and how individual immune systems respond to them. This approach combines computational techniques with biological insights to enhance our understanding of antibody-antigen interactions and improve vaccine design. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research that could lead to more effective treatments and vaccines for viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and treatments for viral infections, enhancing pandemic preparedness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using protein language models has shown promise in predicting protein interactions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Rohit — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Singh, Rohit
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.