Understanding how different exposures to coronaviruses affect antibody responses in high-risk communities in Myanmar
Official title: Investigation of sarbecovirus exposure patterns and development of pan-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody responses in high-risk cohorts in Myanmar
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10860993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around different coronaviruses affects the immune system in certain high-risk groups in Myanmar, like people who work in deforestation or have unique cultural practices, to see how past infections or vaccinations help them build protection against these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $214,874 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10860993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from high-risk communities in Myanmar, particularly those involved in activities that increase their exposure to coronaviruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of high-risk cohorts or who have not been exposed to sarbecoviruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to various coronaviruses influences the immune response in specific high-risk populations in Myanmar. By conducting ongoing surveillance of communities that have been highly exposed to these viruses, the study aims to determine how previous infections or vaccinations impact the development of neutralizing antibodies against multiple sarbecoviruses. The research focuses on three unique cohorts, including individuals involved in deforestation and those engaged in specific cultural practices, to gather comprehensive data on their immune responses over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine strategies and better protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of studying diverse exposure patterns is innovative, similar research has shown that understanding immune responses in high-risk populations can lead to significant advancements in vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Tierra Smiley — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Evans, Tierra Smiley
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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.