Understanding how natural killer cells respond to COVID-19 variants
Official title: Defining factors affecting natural killer cells' antibody-dependent responses in COVID-19
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10899178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells react to different COVID-19 variants, especially in people who have been vaccinated or are on treatments that weaken their immune system, to find ways to boost our body's ability to fight the virus and improve future treatments or vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,293 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI179125-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899178 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 those who have experienced COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or who have not received any form of vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how natural killer (NK) cells, a type of immune cell, respond to COVID-19 variants that may evade the immune system. The study aims to identify factors that influence NK cells' ability to target and destroy virus-infected cells, particularly in the context of vaccination and immunosuppressive treatments. By examining the interactions between NK cells and antibodies, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could enhance immune responses against COVID-19. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments or vaccines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for enhancing immune responses against COVID-19, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viral infections, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Leslie — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Chan, Leslie
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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.