Understanding Immune Responses to Vaccines for Shigella and Salmonella
Immune Mechanisms Regulating the Development of Systemic and Mucosal Antigen-specific B Cells After Vaccination and Challenge in Humans
This work aims to understand how our bodies create protective immune responses, especially in the gut, after receiving vaccines for serious infections like Shigella and Salmonella.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173639 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Shigella and Salmonella infections are a major health concern, particularly for young children in developing countries, and drug-resistant strains are making these diseases harder to treat. We currently don't fully understand how our immune system, especially in the gut, protects us from these infections, which makes it difficult to design better vaccines. This project will look closely at immune cells called B cells in both the blood and gut of volunteers who have received vaccines or been exposed to these bacteria. By comparing these immune responses, we hope to uncover the key mechanisms that lead to strong, lasting protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work involves studying samples from volunteers, including young children and adults, who have received vaccines or participated in challenge studies for Salmonella and Shigella.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for Shigella or Salmonella infections, or who are not eligible for vaccine or challenge studies, would not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the design of more effective vaccines that better protect against drug-resistant Shigella and Salmonella infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that immunity in local tissues is critical for protection, but the specific mechanisms of mucosal immunity in humans after vaccination are not yet fully understood.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toapanta, Franklin R. — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Toapanta, Franklin R.
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 below.