Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Engineering the Future of Lifelong Immunity

Influenza vaccine responses are highly heterogeneous, eliciting strong and durable immunity in some but little-to-no response in others. Our lab is bridging the gap between infant, adult, and elderly immunology to decode the rules underlying strong immunity at every stage of life. For infants receiving their first influenza vaccine, high levels of maternal antibodies can interfere with the vaccine response. Using a single blood draw from each mother, we can pinpoint the optimal time for vaccine administration, which generally ranges from 5-12 months of age. In adults, we are characterizing whether late-season vaccination can boost subsequent vaccine responses and beat the traditional annual vaccine schedule. In the elderly, we are using electronic health records to determine what traits act as a shield against infection in later life.