What makes influenza (the flu) spread between people
Modeling Core - Drivers of influenza A virus transmission in humans
This project uses computer models together with real flu data to learn how virus behavior and the immune response make people more or less likely to pass influenza to others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323035 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will use computer-based mathematical models fed with lab and clinical data to track virus levels and immune responses inside people who have the flu. The Modeling Core will work with other project teams that collect samples, symptom logs, and measurements of expelled virus and aerosols to fit and test these models. By linking within-person viral and immune dynamics to how much infectious virus a person releases, they aim to pinpoint the features that drive onward transmission. The findings are meant to reveal when someone is most infectious and which biological signs could guide better prevention or treatment timing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with confirmed influenza infection (or participants in linked studies) who can provide samples, symptom information, and measurements related to virus shedding and aerosols.
Not a fit: People without influenza or those not enrolled in the linked clinical projects are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating in the Modeling Core activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal when people are most likely to spread the flu and inform better timing of masks, isolation, and antiviral treatments to protect others.
How similar studies have performed: Related modeling studies combining clinical and lab data have improved understanding of viral dynamics for other infections, but directly linking within-person immunity to actual transmission is still an emerging research area.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koelle, Katharina V — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Koelle, Katharina V
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.