Silke Paust, PhD

Research Project:
Inhaled Non-neutralizing Antibodies as a Universal Influenza Therapy

Grant Awarded:

Emerging Respiratory Pathogen Award

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
immunology immunotherapy

Research Diseases:

influenza
respiratory viruses

Influenza causes serious illness and death, especially in high-risk groups such as older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccines may not match each year’s circulating strains, and antiviral drugs can lose effectiveness due to resistance. New therapies are urgently needed. We have developed a novel antibody treatment that targets a region of the influenza virus that changes very little over time, making the treatment effective across many strains. Unlike traditional antibodies that neutralize the virus directly, these antibodies help the immune system eliminate infected cells. Inhaled delivery to the lungs was shown to prevent lung damage and be more effective than injection in animal models, even when given days after infection. This research will define how the therapy works, determine optimal dosing and support its further development. Our goal is to advance a universal, resistance-proof, inhaled antibody treatment for influenza to reduce illness and death from seasonal and pandemic strains.

Page last updated: September 22, 2026

Silke Paust, PhD

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