Modeling immune responses to vaccines using a new infection approach
Official title: Compressed sequential infection regimen to model immune responses to systemic and mucosal vaccination
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11019738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help lab mice build stronger immune systems by exposing them to different viruses early on, which could help us understand how vaccines work in people, especially for COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,544 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176290-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include adults aged 21 and older who are receiving vaccinations, particularly for COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adults or those who do not require vaccination may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a new method of sequentially infecting laboratory mice can enhance their immune responses, making them more representative of human reactions to vaccinations. By exposing these mice to multiple viral pathogens early in life, the study aims to improve the maturation of their immune systems without the need for specialized facilities. The findings could lead to better understanding of how vaccines work in humans, particularly in response to COVID-19. The approach focuses on measuring changes in immune cells and antibody levels after vaccination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine efficacy and better immune response predictions for humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to enhancing immune responses in animal models can lead to significant insights, suggesting potential success for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baldridge, Megan T — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Baldridge, Megan T
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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.