Using Syrian hamsters to improve influenza virus vaccine development
Syrian hamsters as an animal model for influenza virus research
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-10686861
This study is looking at how golden Syrian hamsters can help us understand influenza viruses better, especially for creating vaccines, by mimicking how people usually get infected and seeing how past infections influence our immune response to future ones.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10686861 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing golden Syrian hamsters as a reliable animal model for studying influenza viruses, particularly for vaccine development. The researchers aim to create a more natural method of infection by establishing an aerosol exposure platform, which mimics how humans are typically infected with the virus. Additionally, they will investigate how previous exposures to influenza viruses affect the immune response to future infections, which is crucial for understanding vaccine effectiveness. By improving the predictive value of this model, the research seeks to enhance the development of a universal influenza vaccine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at high risk for influenza, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for influenza or those who have already been vaccinated against the virus may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective influenza vaccines that better protect against various strains of the virus.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study influenza, but this specific approach with Syrian hamsters is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAWAOKA, YOSHIHIRO — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: KAWAOKA, YOSHIHIRO
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.