Understanding Autoantibodies in COVID-19

Elucidating the immunology of autoantibody formation and function in COVID-19

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11110352

This project aims to understand why some people with COVID-19 develop harmful antibodies that attack their own bodies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11110352 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We are looking into why the immune system sometimes creates "autoantibodies" during COVID-19 infections, which can mistakenly target the body's own cells and cause inflammation. By studying a large collection of patient samples and their health information, we hope to learn how these autoantibodies form and what makes them harmful. This work will help us understand the immune system's response to infection and how it can sometimes go awry. Our goal is to uncover the underlying reasons for these immune system changes in COVID-19 patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research uses existing banked samples and clinical data from patients who have had COVID-19, particularly those who experienced severe illness or developed autoantibodies.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had COVID-19 or those without evidence of autoantibody formation may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify patients at risk for severe COVID-19 complications and potentially guide the development of new treatments for these autoimmune responses.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of autoantibodies in COVID-19 is increasingly recognized, this specific approach to understanding B cell tolerance and Fc glycosylation in their formation is novel and largely unexplored.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.