Understanding how immune responses to COVID-19 can lead to severe illness in children
Official title: Identifying mechanisms of immune dysregulation via severe pediatric SARS-CoV-2
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11033144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some kids get really sick from COVID-19 and aims to find better ways to diagnose and treat those with a serious condition called MIS-C by exploring how their immune systems respond.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,016 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AI187711-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 12 years old who have experienced severe illness related to COVID-19 or MIS-C.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who have not experienced severe immune dysregulation due to COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind why some children develop severe illness after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. It focuses on the dysregulation of the adaptive immune response, particularly in cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The research will utilize advanced genomic technologies to profile immune responses and identify potential targets for treatment. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to improve diagnostic clarity and develop targeted therapies for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments and outcomes for children suffering from severe COVID-19-related illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viral infections, but this specific focus on pediatric COVID-19-related immune dysregulation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bodansky, Aaron — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bodansky, Aaron
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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.