Dynamics of the protective vaccine-induced human influenza neuraminidase B cell response

The extensive genetic variability in seasonal and potentially pandemic influenza strains necessitates new vaccine strategies that can focus the immune response on generating protective antibodies against conserved targets such as regions within the influenza neuraminidase protein. We have demonstrated that seasonal immunization stimulates neuraminidase specific antibodies in humans that are broad and potent in their protection from influenza when tested in animals. This project will define how various influenza vaccine types impact the characteristics of neuraminidase specific antibodies in humans and what properties of neuraminidase specific antibodies are most effective at preventing influenza infection against diverse strains.