Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 vaccines create lasting immunity in different body tissues.
Official title: Induction and maintenance of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine-specific memory across tissues
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10891422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the immune system remembers the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in different parts of the body, especially as we age and in response to new virus variants, using samples from organ donors to help us understand how long the vaccine protection lasts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI174785-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who have received the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 or those with certain immunocompromising conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system retains memory of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine across various tissues in the body. By examining tissue samples from organ donors, the study aims to identify how vaccine-induced immunity varies with factors such as age and how it may be affected by different variants of the virus. The research will utilize advanced techniques to measure antibody responses and memory lymphocyte distribution, providing insights into the durability of vaccine protection over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine strategies that enhance long-term immunity against COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding vaccine-induced immunity, but this specific approach focusing on tissue memory is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis-Porada, Julia Meghan — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Davis-Porada, Julia Meghan
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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.