Effects of T cell therapy on COVID-19 immunity after bone marrow transplant
Official title: K23 Resubmission - Impact of adoptive T cell therapy on immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after bone marrow transplant
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-10886377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment using immune cells from donors can help protect children who have had bone marrow transplants from getting COVID-19, and it aims to find safe ways to make these cells even more effective while they are on medications that weaken their immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,518 |
| NIH project number | 1K23HL168161-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children who have recently undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplants and are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not post-bone marrow transplant or those who are not at risk for COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how adoptive T cell therapy can enhance the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in children who have undergone bone marrow transplants. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of using donor-derived T cells specifically targeting the virus to prevent infection in these vulnerable patients. By conducting a clinical trial, researchers will also explore ways to genetically modify these T cells to maintain their antiviral properties even when patients are treated with certain immunosuppressive medications. This approach could provide critical insights into improving post-transplant care for children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of children post-bone marrow transplant to fight off COVID-19 infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using T cell therapies for viral infections, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conway, Susan — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Conway, Susan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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COVID-19 vaccine responses in kidney transplant patients taking mycophenolate
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Boosting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after bone marrow transplant using T cell therapy
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Understanding how kidney transplant patients respond to COVID-19 vaccination while on specific immunosuppressive therapy
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This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
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Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
-
Innate and Adaptive Immunoregulation in Liver Transplant Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
A liver transplant-focused project investigates how the body’s early and later immune responses affect transplant failure or success after reperfusion.
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.