A quick blood PCR test to detect COVID-19 T‑cell immunity in people with weakened immune systems
Implementation of a qPCR-based assay for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in immunocompromised patients
A rapid blood-based PCR test is being used to find COVID‑19-specific T‑cell responses in people with multiple myeloma or other immune-suppressing conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195158 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a small sample of your blood to look for T cells that react to pieces of the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein. Lab staff stimulate whole blood with viral peptide mixtures and then run a quick qPCR test that measures immune signals (like IFN‑γ or IL‑2) released when T cells activate. The method is designed to be faster and easier to scale than traditional tests such as ELISpot or flow cytometry. The team aims to implement this approach so patients with weak antibody responses can learn whether they have cellular protection against COVID‑19.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with multiple myeloma or similar immunocompromising conditions who can provide small blood samples and who have had COVID‑19 vaccination or infection are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without weakened immune systems or those without prior SARS‑CoV‑2 exposure or vaccination may not get useful information from this assay.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could tell people with multiple myeloma whether they have COVID‑19 T‑cell immunity even when antibody levels are low or absent.
How similar studies have performed: Standard methods like ELISpot and flow cytometry reliably detect SARS‑CoV‑2 T cells, but whole‑blood qPCR activation tests are newer and have been less widely validated at large scale.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guccione, Ernesto — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Guccione, Ernesto
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.