Mucosal antibodies to stop flu spread in people
Official title: Mucosal Antibodies in Prevention of Influenza Transmission - Project 1
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11451342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke-led project aims to understand how antibodies in the nose and throat help prevent influenza from spreading between people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,014 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI202707-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with known exposure to influenza or those at high risk of transmission, whose mucosal antibody profiles can be studied
✕Less likely to help
People without influenza exposure or those not contributing mucosal samples may not directly benefit
What this research studies
This project looks at the live biophysical features of mucosal antibodies and how different forms and strengths of these antibodies in the nasal passages affect transmission. Researchers will study how prior immunity and the mucosal environment influence whether the virus can move from one person to another. They will test which antibody properties best block infection in respiratory tissues and how these properties interact with the local fluids. The goal is to identify combinations of mucosal antibodies that could prevent transmission in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform new vaccines or preventive strategies that reduce flu spread by strengthening mucosal immunity in the nose and airways.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown mucosal antibodies can influence transmission, but this project seeks to define specific protective features in humans
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomaras, Georgia Doris — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tomaras, Georgia Doris
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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.