Understanding immune responses to influenza using tonsil organoids
Official title: Investigating protective adaptive immune responses to influenza antigens using human tonsil organoids
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11087596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system fights off flu viruses using tiny lab-grown models made from human tonsil tissues, with the hope of creating a universal flu vaccine that works against many different strains of the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $610,039 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173023-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk of influenza infections, particularly those with weakened immune systems or those who have not responded well to current vaccines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have already developed strong immunity to the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to influenza viruses by using organoids derived from human tonsil tissues. By studying these organoids, researchers aim to gain insights into the interactions and signaling pathways that lead to effective immune responses. The goal is to develop a universal influenza vaccine that can provide broad protection against various strains of the virus, addressing the limitations of current vaccines. This approach focuses on the immune responses occurring in lymphoid tissues, which are crucial for developing effective immunization strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a universal influenza vaccine that offers better protection against multiple strains of the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using organoid models to study immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagar, Lisa — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Wagar, Lisa
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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.