Study title

Immune responses against influenza infection are mediated by influenza specific antibodies (measured as HI titres), while increasing evidence points to an important role of T cell (CD4; T helper cells and CD8; T cytotoxic cells) mediated immunity (CMI) in reducing disease severity. CMI targets conserved antigens of the influenza virus, and therefore provides immunity against multiple strains, whereas antibodies, which are directed against the variable antigens of the virus, are only effective against one specific strain. Defining new immune responses that correlate to protection is crucial for universal vaccine development. Using bioinformatic tools, we will characterize unique human biobank material to identify conserved and cross-reactive T cell epitopes (universal biomarkers), including material from: 1)vaccine trials of seasonal or experimental vaccines, 2)pregnant women and their offspring during the 2009 pandemic, and 3)unvaccinated Ethiopian children. For more information and data availability, visit: http://www.fhi.no/forskning-og-data/datatilgang