Understanding how kidney transplant patients respond to COVID-19 vaccination while on specific immunosuppressive therapy
Official title: Systems analyses of induction and maintenance of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate mofetil immunotherapy
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11046505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how kidney transplant patients taking a medication called mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) respond to COVID-19 vaccines, and whether stopping this medication before getting vaccinated could help them build a stronger immune response and better protect them against the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $658,538 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI179524-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are kidney transplant recipients currently receiving mycophenolate mofetil as part of their immunosuppressive therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not kidney transplant recipients or those not on mycophenolate mofetil may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how kidney transplant recipients who are on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) immunotherapy respond to COVID-19 vaccinations. It aims to understand the immune responses these patients develop after vaccination, particularly focusing on the effects of MMF on their ability to produce antibodies and maintain immunity. The study will explore whether stopping MMF before vaccination can enhance their immune response, potentially leading to better protection against COVID-19. By analyzing both innate and adaptive immune responses, the research seeks to improve vaccination strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination protocols that enhance immunity in kidney transplant recipients, reducing their risk of severe COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that modifying immunosuppressive therapy can improve vaccine responses in similar patient populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reed, Elaine F — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Reed, Elaine F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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COVID-19 vaccine responses in kidney transplant patients taking mycophenolate
This project looks at how the anti-rejection drug mycophenolate affects COVID-19 vaccine protection in people with kidney transplants.
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Investigating immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in children with multiple sclerosis on immunotherapy
This study is looking at how different treatments for multiple sclerosis affect how well kids respond to COVID-19 vaccines, so we can better understand how to protect them.
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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.
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Microbial clues to diagnose and predict infections in kidney transplant patients
A patient-focused project will look for microbial biomarkers in stool, blood, and urine to help doctors predict and diagnose infections in people who have had a kidney transplant.
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Immunological mechanisms behind treatment-resistant kidney transplant rejection
This grant explores why certain kidney transplant rejections don’t respond to standard treatments and what immune cells in the graft are driving that resistance.
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Complement-Bound Exosomes and Kidney Transplant Immunity
This project studies how kidney transplant injury and rejection happen after surgery and whether blocking certain immune pathways during organ preservation could improve transplant outcomes.
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.