Predicting how flu viruses will change across different immune backgrounds
Forecasting influenza evolution on a heterogeneous immune landscape
This project uses lab tests and computer models to predict which flu strains will spread next so seasonal vaccines can better protect people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262819 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I take part, researchers will use lab methods that create many different changes in the flu virus's surface proteins to see how human antibodies react. They will combine those lab results with information about how people's past infections and vaccinations shape population immunity. Computer models will use these maps to forecast which viral strains are most likely to dominate each season. The team will share their data and easy online visualizations so vaccine makers and public-health teams can use the predictions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who could participate include adults and children willing to provide blood samples or vaccination/infection history for antibody testing.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for a current flu infection or those with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help public-health officials pick vaccine strains that offer better protection and reduce seasonal flu illness.
How similar studies have performed: Related antigen-mapping and deep mutational scanning methods have improved understanding of flu evolution, but combining them with forecasting models and population immune maps is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloom, Jesse D — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Bloom, Jesse D
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 below.