Understanding antibody responses in small animals for respiratory disease treatments
Official title: IgG and FcR Characterization in Small Animal Models of RespiratoryDisease
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-10877778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibodies help fight respiratory diseases like COVID-19 in small animals like ferrets and hamsters, so we can learn more about how vaccines and treatments might work for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,514 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176640-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at risk for respiratory diseases, particularly those affected by COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory diseases or those who do not respond to antibody-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how antibodies work in small animal models, specifically ferrets and Syrian hamsters, to better understand their role in fighting respiratory diseases like COVID-19. The study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of these animal models in mimicking human immune responses, particularly how antibodies interact with Fc receptors. By analyzing these interactions, researchers aim to identify key factors that influence the success of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies before they are tested in humans. This foundational work is essential for translating findings from animal studies to clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and treatments for respiratory diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using small animal models to study antibody responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ackerman, Margaret E — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Ackerman, Margaret E
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.