Understanding how the immune system responds to influenza viruses
Official title: Shifting immunodominance of humoral immunity against influenza viruses
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10912053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make flu vaccines better by figuring out how our immune system can be trained to fight off more parts of the virus, so we can have stronger and longer-lasting protection against different flu strains.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $436,669 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI177692-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older, particularly those who may be at higher risk for influenza complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adults or those with pre-existing conditions that severely compromise their immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system's antibody responses to influenza viruses can be improved. It focuses on the concept of immunodominance, where the body preferentially targets certain parts of the virus over others. By analyzing how B cells respond to different viral components, the research aims to develop a vaccine that can generate stronger and more lasting immunity against influenza. The goal is to create a vaccine that effectively targets the conserved parts of the virus, which could lead to better protection against various strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a more effective influenza vaccine that provides broader and longer-lasting protection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immunodominance and developing vaccines, but this specific approach to targeting the stalk domain of the influenza virus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guthmiller, Jenna — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Guthmiller, Jenna
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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.