Understanding Long-Term Immune Changes After COVID-19
Project 1: Durable impact of COVID on innate and adaptive immunity
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11080925
This research aims to understand why some people experience long-lasting symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, often called Long COVID or PASC.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11080925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people who get COVID-19 continue to experience challenging symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and heart issues long after the initial infection, a condition known as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). We want to uncover the immune system changes that cause these persistent symptoms, which are currently not well understood. Our team is exploring several possibilities, including whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus or its remnants stay in the body, if the immune system starts attacking itself, or if other dormant viruses like EBV become active again. By studying these different immune responses, we hope to find the root causes of Long COVID.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals experiencing long-term symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, such as brain fog, fatigue, or autonomic dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients who have fully recovered from COVID-19 without any lingering symptoms may not directly benefit from this particular line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of Long COVID and pave the way for new treatments to help patients recover from their persistent symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While the clinical aspects of Long COVID are well-described, the underlying immune mechanisms are still poorly understood, making this a novel and critical area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LOCCI, MICHELA — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LOCCI, MICHELA
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.