Integrated Systems-level Modeling of Influenza Immunity

The human immune system is a vast, interconnected network, yet most studies only look at one piece of the puzzle. Our lab is building a comprehensive systems-level map to predict how an individual will respond to a vaccine before a needle touches their arm. We have established an adult cohort at LJI that receives an annual influenza vaccination and is monitored longitudinally to measure their adaptive immunity (B and T cell response), innate immunity (cytokine levels), genetic contributions (HLA and SNP arrays), and omics responses (bulk and single-cell RNA, BCR, and TCR sequencing). By feeding this wealth of data into best-in-class computational models, we aim to identify the biological signatures that lead to elite protection. Our goal is to move from reactive observation to proactive prediction to help design next-generation vaccines that better protect the population.