Leaving footprints: How immune imprinting shapes vaccine responses and viral evolution (B01)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 325931972

Viral escape evolution challenges the development of long-lasting antibody therapies and vaccines. The immune system's ability to adapt to evolving pathogens is shaped by prior exposures, an effect known as immune imprinting. We aim to predict how the immune system mounts antibody responses to vaccination and viral challenge under imprinting constraints. We will analyze antibody binding, neutralization, B cell repertoire changes, and viral escape mutations after influenza vaccinations to improve predictions for next-generation vaccine development.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1310: Predictability in Evolution
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Florian Klein