DIVINCI: A Flu Research Initiative

St. Jude and University of Michigan study how the flu affects the immune system

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The DIVINCI research study, led by St. Jude and University of Michigan, helps us learn how the immune system protects the body against future flu exposure.

Influenza, or flu, is a major health concern around the world. Many people first encounter the flu when they are babies or children. Scientists believe that event can help the immune system protect the person from flu later in life.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Michigan leads the DIVINCI Consortium. DIVINCI stands for Dissection of Influenza Vaccination and Infection for Childhood Immunity. This study explores how flu affects the developing immune system. Scientists will look at how flu infection and flu vaccines change the body’s response to the virus over time.

Researchers will enroll about 3,000 children in the study, including 2,000 newborns, from sites around the world. The study includes 12 centers in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Nicaragua.

 
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Participating in the DIVINCI Flu Research Study

Paulina Valasquez, MD, shares how the DIVINCI Flu Research Study will help scientists track the immune system from birth. By using this information, scientists can understand how to better protect future generations from viruses, like the flu. During the study, blood samples will be needed from each child. Dr. Valasquez explains the process of infant and child blood draws, and tips on how to make it as comfortable as possible.

DIVINCI Principal Investigators

 
 

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