Understanding RSV blockers: how vaccines and antibodies work against different RSV strains
Official title: Characterizing virologic and immunologic features of RSV immunoprophylaxis and escape
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11572338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how RSV vaccines and antibody medicines interact with the virus’s changing forms to improve protection for people of all ages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $853,847 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI199269-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals across age groups (from 0-11 years old to 21+), with RSV infection or exposure, who can contribute clinical samples and consent to genomic and immunologic analyses.
✕Less likely to help
People without RSV infection or without the ability to provide samples or consent may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses clinical samples, lab work, and genetic data from RSV cases to identify which viral variants can escape current immunoprophylaxis and what immune responses predict protection or breakthrough infections. By examining how the F protein and other viral features drive vaccine- or antibody-based protection, the study aims to map patterns that could influence future prevention strategies. The work builds on existing clinical and genomics resources to connect real-world infections with molecular and immune data, aiming to clarify why some vaccines or antibodies stop working for certain virus variants. Participants would contribute by providing samples and data through established clinical networks, helping to refine prevention for infants, children, and adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could guide the design of more durable vaccines and antibody therapies against RSV, reducing infections and severe disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that viral genetic changes can impact the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies, underscoring the need to understand escape mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lemieux, Jacob Eric — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lemieux, Jacob Eric
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.