Understanding how immunity to one virus affects others
The paradox of flavivirus antigenic non-reciprocity
This research explores how having immunity to one type of virus, like dengue, can change how your body responds to a different, but related, virus such as Zika.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143662 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks into how your body's immune response to one virus, like dengue, can affect how you react to a different, but related, virus such as Zika. Sometimes, immunity to one virus might protect you from another, but other times it could actually make a future infection worse. Researchers are particularly interested in why this protection or enhancement isn't always a two-way street, meaning immunity to virus A might help against virus B, but immunity to virus B might not help against virus A. They believe that the specific parts of the virus your antibodies recognize, and how well those antibodies work, play a big role in these complex interactions. This work aims to understand these differences to better predict and manage future flavivirus infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to individuals who have been exposed to or infected with flaviviruses like dengue or Zika, or those living in areas where these viruses are common.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by flaviviruses or related viral infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these complex immune interactions could lead to better vaccines and treatments for diseases like dengue and Zika, helping to prevent severe illness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have observed these complex immune responses in human populations, but this research aims to uncover the specific reasons behind these non-reciprocal effects.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedrich, Thomas C. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Friedrich, Thomas C.
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.