Modeling how antibodies interact with viruses to improve pandemic preparedness

Integrating Atomic-Scale Antigen Modeling and Repertoire-Scale Protein Language Models

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11158297

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11158297 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with non-viral infections or those not at risk for infectious diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.