Understanding how T follicular helper cells develop in response to COVID-19 vaccination
Official title: Unraveling Human T Follicular Helper Cell Development
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10993613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called T follicular helper cells, help your body respond to COVID-19 vaccines, and it involves taking small samples from lymph nodes to see how these cells change over time, which could help us understand how to make vaccines even better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $634,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173203-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and are willing to participate in lymph node sampling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or those with pre-existing conditions that affect immune responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of T follicular helper cells in the immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations. It uses a novel technique involving ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration to collect samples from lymph nodes after vaccination, allowing researchers to study how these cells help B cells produce effective antibodies. By examining the changes in T follicular helper cells over time, the research aims to uncover important insights into how long-lasting immunity is formed following vaccination. This could lead to improved vaccine strategies and better understanding of immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and inform future vaccine development.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized similar techniques to study immune responses, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mudd, Philip a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mudd, Philip a
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.