Understanding how the spleen stores immune memory against the flu virus
Official title: Investigating the human spleen as an archive of memory B cells reactive to the influenza virus hemagglutinin
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11092946 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the spleen helps store special immune cells that remember past infections, like the flu, and it's for people who have had their spleen removed to understand how their immune response might change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185253-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092946 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have had their spleens surgically removed due to trauma and have a history of influenza infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had their spleens removed or who do not have a history of influenza infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the human spleen in storing memory B cells that respond to the influenza virus. By examining splenocytes from patients who have undergone spleen removal, the study aims to understand how these immune cells are modified and how they retain a memory of past infections. The researchers will focus on the influenza A virus hemagglutinin as a model to evaluate the composition and function of these memory B cells. This could provide insights into how the immune system remembers and responds to viral infections over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune memory, potentially leading to improved vaccines and therapies for influenza and other viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune memory through similar approaches, particularly in the context of viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sangster, Mark Y — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Sangster, Mark Y
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Creating vaccines for influenza and other infectious diseases
This study is all about creating new vaccines to help protect people from the flu and other infections, so patients can look forward to better options for staying healthy.
-
Creating vaccines for human trials against influenza and other infectious diseases
This study is working on creating new vaccines to help protect people from flu and other infectious diseases, including those that could be used in harmful situations, so that everyone can have safer and more effective options to stay healthy.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Surveillance and preparedness for flu and other respiratory pathogens in Kenya
A US-based research grant aims to improve how Kenya detects and prepares for influenza and other respiratory diseases to protect people there and global health.
-
Enhanced Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Targeting Shared and Variable Viral Antigens
A new DNA-based influenza vaccine approach aims to provide both precise protection against circulating strains and broader defense against unexpected strains.
-
How the immune system responds to flu shots and flu infection
This project looks at how adults' immune systems react after flu shots or when they catch the flu to find why some people get better protection than others.
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.