How COVID-19 vaccines and infection shape B cell responses to the spike protein
Structural interrogation of vaccine- and infection-induced B cell responses
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11256711
This project looks at which parts of the COVID-19 spike protein people's B cells target after vaccination or infection to guide better vaccines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11256711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will collect blood and tissue samples from people who were vaccinated or infected with SARS‑CoV‑2 to study their B cells. They will isolate circulating B cells (like plasmablasts and memory B cells) and tissue-resident germinal center B cells and determine where on the spike protein those cells bind. Using high-resolution structural methods such as cryo-electron microscopy, the team will make maps showing which spike regions are most commonly targeted. The goal is to understand patterns of immune focus (immunodominance) that could make vaccines more durable against variants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have received COVID-19 vaccines or had prior SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and who are willing to provide blood and possibly lymph node or tissue samples at the study site.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment for COVID-19 or those unwilling/unable to provide samples should not expect direct health benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help design vaccines that direct immune responses to parts of the spike that change less, improving protection against variants.
How similar studies have performed: Prior structural studies have successfully identified many neutralizing sites on SARS‑CoV‑2 and influenza, but combining human germinal center sampling with high-resolution epitope mapping to define immunodominance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BAJIC, GORAN — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: BAJIC, GORAN
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.