Understanding long-lasting COVID-19 in immunosuppressed individuals
Official title: Characterization of Persistent COVID-19
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10904944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-lasting COVID-19 infections impact people with weakened immune systems, aiming to understand their immune responses and how new virus variants might develop, so we can better support and treat these individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $846,387 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176287-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904944 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunosuppressed individuals who have experienced chronic COVID-19 infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not immunosuppressed or who have not experienced chronic COVID-19 infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic COVID-19 infections affect immunosuppressed individuals, who are at higher risk for severe disease and treatment failure. The study aims to identify the immune and viral mechanisms that contribute to prolonged infections and the emergence of new COVID-19 variants. By utilizing a translational research infrastructure, the team will recruit cohorts of these high-risk patients and analyze their immune responses, viral loads, and genetic variations. The findings will help improve clinical care and treatment strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options and improved health outcomes for immunosuppressed patients suffering from chronic COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding chronic infections and their implications, but this specific focus on immunosuppressed individuals and COVID-19 variants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jonathan — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Li, Jonathan
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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.