Understanding How Long Antibodies Last After Vaccines and Infections
Antibody Durability Dynamics
This project explores why the protective antibodies our bodies make after vaccines or infections last for different lengths of time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117027 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies create special proteins called antibodies to fight off infections, but how long these antibodies stay active can vary greatly. This work explores why some vaccines, like those for HPV, create antibodies that last a very long time, while others might offer shorter protection. We aim to understand the immune system's secrets to generating strong, lasting antibody responses. This knowledge is especially important for developing better vaccines, including those for current challenges like COVID-19, by identifying ways to engineer more durable protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this could seek individuals who have received specific vaccines or experienced certain infections.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to design vaccines that provide much longer-lasting protection against infectious diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of antibody durability is known, this project aims to uncover specific immunological cues that can be engineered to create longer-lived responses, building on existing knowledge but exploring novel mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wesemann, Duane R. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wesemann, Duane R.
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.