Influenza

Bioinformatics approach to influenza A/H1N1 vaccine immune profiling

This project provides novel information describing how immune responses to inactivated influenza A and H1N1 vaccine are generated. This information is useful in designing new vaccines to control this deadly viral disease.

Evaluation of the humoral immune response in early-stage CLL and MBL

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. Its precursor state of monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) affects more than 5 percent of adults over age 60. This study aims to characterize and compare the humoral immune response to trivalent influenza vaccine among people with MBL and CLL. This study is the first characterization of vaccine responses in the MBL population and the most detailed characterization of the humoral immune response to influenza vaccine in the CLL population.

Identification of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II influenza-derived peptides

This study uses mass spectrometry techniques that the Vaccine Research Group has developed, optimized and validated to identify, sequence and test naturally processed and presented influenza peptides relevant to human viral vaccine design. The overall objective of this study is to expand the understanding of immune responses to viral agents of mass destruction and identify vaccine antigens that can protect against them.

Application of nanotechnology for developing the next generation of influenza A/H5N1 peptide-based vaccines

This collective project, done in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, provides new knowledge for the immunogenicity of adjuvanted influenza A/H5N1-derived peptides necessary for the development of new and more effective vaccines. By using the influenza A/H5N1 vaccine and by examining peptides that are naturally processed and presented within the context of HLA-A*0201 molecules and conjugated to lipoprotein-based nanoparticles, data obtained on influenza A/H5N1-specific immunogenic peptides helps inform the development of new vaccines against avian and other novel influenza types.

Systems biology assessment of influenza A/H1N1 vaccination in an Indian cohort

This project, done in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, focuses on developing innovative immune profile signatures that explain and predict interindividual variations in immune responses to influenza A/H1N1 vaccines specifically and viral vaccines generally. Another important goal is to compare and contrast immunological and transcriptomic profiles after influenza vaccination in the Caucasian and Indian populations. The use of these two populations allows comparison of subjects with preexisting immunity due to natural infections versus immunity due to vaccination.

The effect of influenza A vaccination on miRNA expression and immune outcome

The goal of this study is to identify key miRNAs involved in influenza vaccine responses, as well as the genes and pathways targeted by these specific miRNAs. These data may provide the biomarkers that can predict immune response and serve as correlates of protection. The group's findings serve as a foundation for more detailed and mechanistic studies into the functional relevance of the identified miRNAs.

See Vaccine Research Group publications related to influenza.

See all publications by Mayo Clinic authors related to influenza.

Learn about diagnosis and treatment of influenza.