COVID-19 vaccine responses in kidney transplant patients taking mycophenolate
Systems analyses of induction and maintenance of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate mofetil immunotherapy
This project looks at how the anti-rejection drug mycophenolate affects COVID-19 vaccine protection in people with kidney transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11283983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have blood samples taken before and after COVID-19 vaccination so researchers can measure antibodies, B cells, T cells, and other immune signals. The team will compare how well immune responses form and last in kidney transplant recipients on mycophenolate versus patterns seen when mycophenolate is timed or temporarily modified. Advanced lab tests and systems-level analyses will be used to map which parts of the immune system are weakened by the drug. Follow-up visits over months will track durability of vaccine responses and relate immune findings to real-world protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a kidney transplant who are currently taking mycophenolate and are willing to provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits around vaccination.
Not a fit: People without a kidney transplant, not taking mycophenolate, or unwilling to provide blood samples or follow visit schedules are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways (timing or temporary adjustments to mycophenolate) to improve COVID-19 vaccine protection for kidney transplant patients.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies have suggested temporarily holding mycophenolate can raise antibody responses after vaccination, but comprehensive, systems-level data in kidney transplant recipients remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reed, Elaine F — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Reed, Elaine F
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.