Project Grant R01AI201339

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded the University of Illinois $3,068,770 on August 12, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop neuraminidase-based influenza vaccines with broad protective immunity.

The research systematically analyzes the structure-function relationships of neuraminidase monoclonal antibodies, maps the affinity maturation pathways leading to broadly protective antibodies, and engineers a broadly protective neuraminidase-based immunogen. The study addresses knowledge gaps in vaccine development by expanding the panel of known neuraminidase antibodies beyond existing hepatitis A antibody data, clarifying immunodominant epitope hierarchies, and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the development of broadly neutralizing neuraminidase antibodies. The work leverages unique clinical samples from individuals receiving seasonal influenza vaccine candidates containing neuraminidase as a component and employs state-of-the-art structural biology methods.

The University of Illinois, operating through the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, is the recipient. Work is performed in Urbana, Illinois. The period of performance extends from August 12, 2026, through July 31, 2030. This is a Project Grant, an assistance type supporting research that addresses influenza's ongoing seasonal epidemic and pandemic risks by developing vaccines capable of eliciting cross-protective immunity against diverse influenza strains and subtypes.