Impact of Initial Influenza Exposure on Immunity in Infants

<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance its mission by continuing support to&nbsp;establish, follow, and characterize longitudinal cohorts of infants and/or mother-infant dyads to determine how influenza infections and/or vaccinations shape infant and childhood immunity. These studies will define and characterize immunity acquired upon initial exposure (including in utero) to influenza antigens from natural infections and/or vaccinations and examine how these exposures influence immune responses to subsequent influenza infections and/or vaccines. Projects that include mother-infant dyads will also study the role of maternal influenza immune status on neonatal responses to influenza infection and/or vaccination. The overall goal of this research is to provide key information to facilitate design of durable, broadly protective influenza vaccines.&nbsp;Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.</span></p>