Identifying immune cells that protect newborns from COVID-19
Official title: Identification of lung resident innate lymphocytes that specifically protect neonates from SARS-CoV-2 infections
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10901993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the lungs of newborns help protect against COVID-19, and it aims to find out why kids seem to handle the virus better than adults, which could help improve immune protection for those who are more at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI160687-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children, particularly those under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or elderly may not benefit directly from this research focused on neonatal immune responses.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific immune cells in the lungs of newborns can provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 infections. By studying a type of lymphocyte known as Tγδ17 cells, which are present from birth, the researchers aim to understand their role in maintaining lung health and responding to viral infections. The study will involve examining immune responses in both children and adults to determine why children are less severely affected by COVID-19. This could lead to insights into how to enhance immune protection in vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing severe COVID-19 in infants and potentially other respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in children can lead to breakthroughs in treating respiratory infections, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Joonsoo — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Kang, Joonsoo
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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.