Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded the University of Pittsburgh a $802,421 Project Grant under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) effective June 8, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2031. This research initiative evaluates the durability of maternal immunity conferred by RSVPreF (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F protein vaccine) in pregnant women and assesses protective efficacy for infants across multiple pregnancies. The study comprises two prospective cohorts: Cohort 1 includes 85 RSVPreF-vaccinated and unvaccinated women tracked longitudinally across 9 visits over 3 respiratory syncytial virus seasons, while Cohort 2 enrolls 150 pregnant women categorized by vaccination status (current pregnancy, previous pregnancy, or unvaccinated) with maternal and infant blood collection at delivery and 4 months post-delivery.

The research deliverables include comprehensive immunological analysis examining RSV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses using microneutralization assays, pre-F absorption assays, site-specific competitive binding assays, T-cell activation-induced marker assays, and cytokine multiplex profiling. These laboratory evaluations will generate data on the magnitude and durability of RSV A and B neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated women and their infants, as well as maternal and infant T-cell response characteristics. The study findings will determine whether maternal RSV immunity persists sufficiently to protect subsequent infants or whether booster vaccination strategies are necessary, thereby informing clinical guidance for RSV prevention in vulnerable neonatal populations.