Understanding immunity to the seasonal coronavirus OC43 using a controlled exposure model
Characterization of seasonal CoV immunity and operationalization of a novel controlled human infection model for the betacoronavirus OC43
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11321632
This project will develop a careful, controlled way to expose healthy adults to the mild seasonal coronavirus OC43 to learn how immune protection starts, fades, or changes over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321632 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will develop laboratory tests to measure immune responses to the seasonal coronavirus OC43 and prepare a well-characterized virus isolate for use in a controlled human infection model (CHIM). Healthy adult volunteers (likely age 21 and older) would be enrolled, receive controlled exposure to OC43 under close medical monitoring, and provide blood and respiratory samples over follow-up visits. The team will measure antibodies, immune memory cells, and viral changes to understand why reinfections happen and how immunity might drive variant selection. Findings will be used to guide design of broader coronavirus vaccines and treatments for future outbreaks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy adults (typically 21 years or older) without major medical problems who can follow study procedures and remain at or near the clinical site for monitoring.
Not a fit: People with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, children, or those seeking immediate treatment for COVID-19 are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could speed development of vaccines and therapies that protect against multiple coronaviruses and improve preparedness for future outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Controlled human infection models have been used successfully for other respiratory viruses and some coronaviruses historically, but a modern CHIM using OC43 is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEMING, MEAGAN ELISE — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: DEMING, MEAGAN ELISE
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 below.