Send-In Sample Collection to Study Immune Responses During and After Acute COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Virus Infections

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the immune responses during and after infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and other emerging respiratory viruses. The study aims to understand how these immune responses relate to the course and outcomes of the illness. It includes participants across a wide age range from newborns to 99 years old, including those infected, uninfected despite exposure, and biological relatives of infected individuals. Participants send in biological samples such as blood, saliva, stool, urine, and leftover clinical specimens for detailed genetic, immunologic, molecular, and virologic analyses. These samples are collected over time from those with confirmed or suspected infection, uninfected individuals with heavy exposure, and biological relatives. The study does not involve in-person visits at the NIH but collects data and specimens remotely. Participants provide samples at least once and more often if infected, along with clinical and demographic information from their health care providers. Pregnant participants may be asked to provide cord blood after delivery. Researchers measure immune system changes, genetic variants linked to disease severity or resistance, inflammatory markers, antibody responses, and viral genetic variations. Relevant findings may be shared with participants and their health care providers. The study continues through the infection and convalescence phases to gather comprehensive immune response data.

Send-In Sample Collection for Comprehensive Analyses of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses During Acute COVID-19 and Convalescence