Understanding how the immune system responds to influenza virus infections
Official title: High resolution profiling and computational modeling of influenza virus-immune dynamics during natural infection
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11016472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the flu virus interacts with our immune system when people get sick, and it's for anyone who has had the flu; by examining blood and virus samples, researchers hope to find ways to create better vaccines for both regular and pandemic flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,352,292 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI186993-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of influenza infection, particularly those who may experience severe outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have already been vaccinated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between the influenza virus and the human immune system during natural infections. By analyzing blood samples and virus samples from individuals infected with the virus, the study aims to identify key immune responses that can predict infection outcomes and transmission risks. The goal is to gather insights that will help in designing more effective vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza. Participants will be closely monitored through frequent testing to capture the dynamics of their immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that better protect against influenza infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viruses, but this specific approach to modeling influenza dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brooke, Christopher Byron — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Brooke, Christopher Byron
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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.