Polymeric antibodies: how they form, work, and could be used as therapy
Official title: Investigating polymeric antibody assembly, structure, function and therapeutic potential
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11449926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team at the University of Illinois is studying how polymeric antibodies assemble and function, with the goal of turning what they learn into better antibody-based therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $688,610 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AI165570-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients with mucosal immune vulnerabilities or those who could benefit from enhanced antibody-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without mucosal immune concerns or those not suitable for antibody-based interventions may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how polymeric immunoglobulins assemble and what shapes their function across different species. The scientists examine structures, assembly rules, and the ways these antibodies interact with pathogens and receptors. They aim to engineer smarter SIgA/IgM molecules that could enhance mucosal immunity and therapeutic potential. The work combines structural biology with engineering insights to identify features that could be leveraged for new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to engineered antibody therapies with improved mucosal protection and novel treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that manipulating polymeric antibody structures can alter function and receptor interactions, supporting potential translational gains.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stadtmueller, Beth M. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Stadtmueller, Beth M.
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.