Effects of COVID-19 on patients with autoimmune diseases
Official title: Immunologic and Clinical Sequelae after COVID-19 in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11018582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, to better understand their immune responses and how their treatments might change their reactions to the virus and vaccines, ultimately aiming to improve their health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $706,210 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080659-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune diseases or those who have not contracted COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 affects individuals with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It focuses on understanding the immune responses of these patients, particularly how their treatments may influence their reactions to COVID-19 and vaccination. The study aims to identify the short-term and long-term health outcomes for these patients, including the risk of severe symptoms and prolonged effects after infection. By analyzing immune responses and clinical outcomes, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve care for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies and treatments for patients with autoimmune diseases who contract COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that patients with autoimmune conditions may experience unique challenges during COVID-19, indicating that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sparks, Jeffrey Andrew — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sparks, Jeffrey Andrew
Related research
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Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups with Rheumatic Diseases
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Long-term immune and health effects of COVID-19 in people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases
This project looks at how COVID-19 changes immune responses and causes lingering symptoms in people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
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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.