How genes shape COVID-19 immunity
Immunogenetics of COVID-19 Immune Response
This work looks at how people’s genes and immune differences change the way their bodies respond to COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145875 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to share health information and a blood sample so researchers can compare DNA, HLA types, antibody levels, and immune cell responses. The team will run genome-wide scans (GWAS) and phenome-wide scans (PheWAS) to find genetic variants linked to stronger or weaker immune responses, then study specific immune mechanisms in the lab. They will use discovery and replication cohorts to confirm findings and relate genetic markers to clinical outcomes like severe respiratory illness. The work combines genetic data, medical records, and laboratory immune tests to understand why people differ in vaccine or infection immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who have had COVID-19 infection and/or COVID vaccination, including a range of illness severity, who can provide a blood sample and medical history.
Not a fit: People with no history of COVID exposure or vaccination, those unwilling to provide genetic or blood samples, or patients needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify why some people get severe COVID-19 or poor vaccine responses and help guide more personalized prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous vaccine-response genetics work by these investigators and others has found gene variants linked to immune responses, but applying GWAS/PheWAS approaches specifically to COVID-19 immunity is still developing.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Richard B — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Richard B
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.