NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how genetics affect immune responses to COVID-19

Official title: Immunogenetics of COVID-19 Immune Response

Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10988035 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our genes might affect how we respond to COVID-19 and its vaccines, so we can better understand who might need different kinds of protection and help create more personalized vaccination plans.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$814,873
NIH project number1R01AI179709-01A1
Project IDNIH-10988035 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had a COVID-19 infection.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been vaccinated or infected with COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the genetic factors that influence how individuals respond to COVID-19 infections and vaccinations. By examining variations in genes and their associations with immune responses, the study aims to identify specific genetic markers that could predict how well a person will respond to the virus or a vaccine. The approach includes comprehensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) to uncover the complex interactions between genetics and immune response. This research could lead to personalized vaccination strategies and improved understanding of immunity against COVID-19.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified genetic factors influencing immune responses to other viral vaccines, suggesting a promising avenue for similar findings in COVID-19.

Where this research is happening

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kennedy, Richard B — Mayo Clinic Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Kennedy, Richard B

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.