qPCR method to measure SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in people with immune suppression

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

For patients with multiple myeloma who have weakened immune systems, this project develops a fast blood test that can show whether their T cells react to SARS-CoV-2. The method uses a direct qPCR readout after stimulating whole blood with viral peptides, measuring signals from T cell–driven responses. This approach aims to be scalable and easier to implement than traditional tests like ELISpot or flow cytometry. If successful, it could help doctors understand and monitor cellular immunity to COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients. The work is centered on translating a lab assay into something that could inform patient care.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  New York, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Ochando, Jordi — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Study coordinator: Ochando, Jordi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk

  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.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11617103

• Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab

  Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11591264

• Oral small molecule inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication

  A Stanford-led project tests a pill that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses from copying their RNA inside infected cells.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11587830

• Outpatient antiviral cocktails to fight SARS-CoV-2 and future RNA viruses

  Researchers at Stanford are developing outpatient antiviral cocktails that could be used easily outside the hospital to treat COVID-19 and future RNA virus infections.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11587807

• Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication

  A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.

  NIH research Scripps Research Institute, the · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11542055

• How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses

  This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.

  NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11481643

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.