Understanding how the body produces antibodies against certain viruses
Official title: Genetic basis for interferon-gamma-independent antiviral antibody production
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11087687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how our bodies can better fight off tricky viruses by figuring out how to make stronger antibodies, using mice to learn more about the immune system, which could help improve treatments for viral infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI180680-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of retroviral infections or those at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a retroviral infection or are not at risk for such infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms that enable the body to produce antibodies against retroviruses, which are known to evade immune responses. By using animal models, specifically mice, the study will explore how the immune system can be triggered to generate effective antiviral responses. The focus will be on understanding the role of specific immune cells and signaling pathways in the production of these antibodies, which could lead to better strategies for controlling viral infections in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and vaccines for retroviral infections, enhancing the immune response in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar animal models has successfully identified mechanisms of immune responses to viral infections, suggesting that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kane, Melissa E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kane, Melissa E
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.