Understanding how immune cells create long-lasting antibody responses
Official title: Role of the NFkB signaling network in generating memory B cell and long-lived plasma cell
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11059636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help our bodies remember infections and create lasting protection, especially to understand why some vaccines, like the flu shot, don’t always work well over time, with the hope of finding ways to make better vaccines that keep us safe longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $298,292 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI177789-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals who are at risk of infectious diseases and may require vaccination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for infectious diseases or those who have already developed long-lasting immunity may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain immune cells, specifically memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells, generate lasting antibody responses to infections. The study focuses on the NFkB signaling network, which plays a crucial role in the activation and differentiation of these immune cells. By examining how different components of this signaling pathway interact, the research aims to uncover why some vaccines fail to provide long-term immunity, such as the influenza vaccine. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved vaccine designs that elicit stronger and more durable immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that provide long-lasting immunity against infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses through similar signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Koushik — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Roy, Koushik
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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.