Center for Influenza Vaccine Research for High-Risk Populations (CIVR-HRP). CIVR-HRP

The Center for Influenza Vaccine Research for High-Risk Populations (CIVR-HRP), part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers (CIVICs) program, provides comprehensive assessment of broadly protective influenza vaccine candidates integrated with fundamental research on protective host responses to provide insight into the mechanisms that drive influenza vaccine effectiveness in the most vulnerable, high-risk populations. Using computational methodologies, broadly reactive hemagglutinin- and neuraminidase-based vaccines are being assessed using cutting-edge scientific and statistical modeling technologies. Additionally, CIVR-HRP is investigating novel platforms to deliver universal influenza vaccines, including recombinant proteins, microparticles, live attenuated viruses, and microneedle skin patches. Combining traditional and cutting-edge immunology, epigenetics, structural biology, virology, systems biology, and statistical modeling with various omics assessments of host responses to influenza vaccination and infection in high-risk models, the CIVR-HRP is developing the next generation flu vaccines for people and the models needed to predict their effectiveness. University of Georgia’s CIVR-HRP builds upon many years of collaborative work by the primary investigators and proposes a comprehensive research program centering on identifying broadly protective influenza vaccines for all populations with a focus on our most vulnerable populations. The program couples the skills of established and junior investigators, and combines our historical program strengths in vaccine development, virology, immunology, animal models, validated assay and reagent development, systems biology, bioinformatics and structural biology, and extensive and world-class facilities and resources, including St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH) GMP facility, with novel and innovative study designs, such as comprehensive assessment of immune and omics responses to vaccination, novel platforms and adjuvants, and exploration of immune correlates of protective immunity in high-risk populations. The objective of this contract program is to support improvements in the immunogenicity and durability of seasonal influenza vaccines, SARS-COV-2 vaccines, and the development of innovative influenza vaccine approaches that provide robust, durable, broadly protective mucosal and systemic anti-influenza immunity (“universal influenza vaccines”). Additionally, the Georgia University Research Foundation supports the National Cancer Institute's multi-site study seeking to study immune responses developed after confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2.