Investigating immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in children with multiple sclerosis on immunotherapy
Official title: Serological and cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pediatric multiple sclerosis on immunotherapy
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11124247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different treatments for multiple sclerosis affect how well kids respond to COVID-19 vaccines, so we can better understand how to protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $259,468 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180928-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are receiving immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have multiple sclerosis or are not undergoing immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how different immunotherapies affect the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in children with multiple sclerosis. It aims to compare the antibody and cellular immune responses in pediatric patients receiving either anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies or sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators. By utilizing advanced technology, the study will measure various types of antibodies and their effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The findings could provide insights into optimizing vaccination strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies that enhance protection against COVID-19 for children with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: While there is substantial research on adult patients with multiple sclerosis, this investigation into pediatric patients represents a novel approach with limited prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gombolay, Grace Yoonheekim — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Gombolay, Grace Yoonheekim
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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.