Understanding how norovirus immunity works in breastfeeding mothers and their infants

Norovirus immunity at the maternal-child interface

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11005713

This study is looking at how breastfeeding mothers respond to norovirus and how their immune protection can help their babies, with the goal of improving norovirus vaccines for both moms and kids.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11005713 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the immune response to norovirus in breastfeeding mothers and how it affects their infants. The study focuses on the development of norovirus vaccines and aims to understand how these vaccines can generate specific antibodies in breastmilk. By analyzing the immune responses in lactating women, the research seeks to inform future vaccination strategies that could enhance protection against norovirus for both mothers and their children. The findings may also help in developing pediatric vaccines for young children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include lactating women and their infants, particularly those who may be at risk for norovirus infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not breastfeeding or who do not have infants may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies that enhance immunity against norovirus in both breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing vaccines for norovirus, but this specific approach focusing on maternal immunity and breastmilk is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.