Understanding how past infections affect immunity and disease spread
Ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of host heterogeneity induced by prior exposure
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11177989
This study looks at how past infections can change how well house finches fight off new illnesses, helping us understand why some birds get sick more easily than others and how their immune systems adapt over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11177989 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how previous exposure to pathogens influences the immune response and susceptibility to future infections in populations. By studying house finches and a common bacterial pathogen, the researchers aim to understand the variability in immune protection among individuals and how this affects disease dynamics. The approach combines theoretical modeling with empirical experiments to explore the relationship between host traits and pathogen characteristics. This could provide insights into how immunity evolves and varies within populations over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced prior infections and are interested in how their immune responses may vary.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to relevant pathogens or those with no history of infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing disease outbreaks by understanding population immunity.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses and disease dynamics through similar ecological and evolutionary approaches.
Where this research is happening
BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV — BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAWLEY, DANA M — VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV
- Study coordinator: HAWLEY, DANA M
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.
Conditions: Disease Outbreaks