Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 vaccines affect immune responses
Official title: Immunologic Signatures of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Disease
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11144632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the COVID-19 vaccine and natural infection help your immune system fight the virus, by checking the types of antibodies in your blood and how long they last, so we can better understand protection against COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $553,087 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA260476-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine or those who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and have not had a prior COVID-19 infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune responses generated by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and natural infection in humans. It aims to identify specific antibody profiles that correlate with protection against COVID-19, as well as to understand how long these immune responses last. By analyzing blood samples from vaccinated and convalescent individuals, the study seeks to determine the effectiveness and durability of the antibodies produced. This information could help improve vaccine strategies and inform public health responses to the pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines and better understanding of immunity against COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to vaccines, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barouch, Dan H. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Barouch, Dan H.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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How our immune system keeps a memory of vaccines and infections over time
A long-term study to understand how T cells remember SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and infections, and how this compares with common cold coronaviruses.
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How lung memory T cells protect you after COVID-19 infection or vaccination
Researchers want to see if immune cells that stay in the lungs after COVID-19 infection or vaccination help protect people from future severe lung illness.
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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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Understanding how kidney transplant patients respond to COVID-19 vaccination while on specific immunosuppressive therapy
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.
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.