Impact of Initial Influenza Exposure on Immunity in Infants (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is issuing this funding opportunity to support research on the impact of initial influenza exposure on immunity in infants. The goal is to establish or continue longitudinal infant cohorts to understand how natural infections and vaccinations shape immunity. Ultimately, this research aims to aid in the design of broadly protective influenza vaccines.

Grant Details
The initiative aims to establish or continue focused, multi-disciplinary, prospective studies of longitudinal infant cohorts. Key tasks include:
1) Determining the effect of repeated exposures to infections and/or vaccinations on the maintenance and evolution of influenza-specific humoral and T cell-mediated immunity in infants/young children.
2) Comparing immune mechanisms/components elicited by influenza vaccination versus natural infection.
Research must address how initial exposure influences immune responses to subsequent infections or vaccinations, including changes in antibody titer, specificity, function, and impacts on B cell and T cell populations. Cohorts should be followed for at least three influenza seasons, ideally starting enrollment between birth and prior to initial exposure. Inclusion of pregnant women and postpartum mothers is encouraged to study maternal effects on infant immunity.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, and foreign organizations. Applicants must have the necessary skills and resources to conduct the proposed research. There are no cost-sharing requirements.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is five years with an expected follow-up of cohorts for at least three influenza seasons.

Grant Value
NIAID intends to commit $9.6 million in FY 2027 to fund 2-4 awards with application budgets not exceeding $3 million in direct costs per year.

Place of Performance
The research may include domestic prospective cohorts as well as international cohorts from countries with relevant infection or vaccination rates.