Understanding how children's immune cells respond to the flu vaccine
Official title: B and Tfh cell dynamics underlying durable antibody responses to flu vaccine in children
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11061754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in kids help make the flu vaccine work better, so researchers can find ways to improve vaccines and keep children healthier during flu season.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $683,050 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI179514-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are receiving the flu vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those who do not receive the flu vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific immune cells in children, known as B and T follicular helper cells, contribute to the effectiveness of the flu vaccine. By analyzing blood samples from children who received the flu vaccine, the study aims to uncover the biological processes that lead to strong and lasting antibody responses. The researchers will use advanced techniques to examine the genetic and cellular dynamics involved in producing long-lasting immune protection against influenza. This could help improve vaccine strategies for better protection in young populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective flu vaccines for children, enhancing their protection against influenza.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to vaccines, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Harinder — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Singh, Harinder
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.