My research focuses on expanding the knowledge of cross reactive CD8 T cells in influenza virus infection and vaccination. Current vaccines generate antibodies specific for subtypes predicted to emerge in the flu season but elicit minimal CD8 T cell responses needed to protect across influenza subtypes. Such antibodies are ineffective against antigenic drifting of the influenza virus. Interestingly, the nanoparticle vaccine developed by our lab has shown robust T-cell responses. Further characterization of these cross reactive T cell responses would contribute critically towards creating a broadly protective (universal) flu vaccine.