Identification and Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Specific CD8 T Cells in Humans

Background: The higher death rate from COVID-19 in the older population is associated with low CD8 T cell counts in the blood. Researchers want to learn the status of CD8 T cells specific to SARS-CoV-2 and their changes with aging and in COVID-19. This may help to identify why COVID-19 is particularly lethal in the elderly and help to create an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in the elderly. Objective: To identify SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8 T cells in humans, and to determine their quantity and quality in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Eligibility: Maryland residents age 18 and older who have tested positive for and recovered from COVID-19. Design: Participants will be screened by phone. They must be able to provide a copy of their positive COVID-19 test result. Participants will visit the NIA/Clinical Research Unit. The visit will take about 1 hour. Laboratory tests showing a positive COVID-19 result will be verified. Participants vital signs will be checked. This will include blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration. Height and weight will be measured. Participants will have a medical history and medicine review. They will complete a COVID-19 questionnaire. Participants will have blood drawn. They will give a urine sample. Participants will give a saliva sample. They will rinse their mouth with water. After about 3 minutes, they will let saliva pool in the base of their mouth and then spit into a sterile container. Participants may be asked if they would be willing to return for optional visits at about 4 months and 1 year later. They will repeat the same laboratory sampling performed at the first visit. ...

NCT Number	NCT04565067
Lead Sponsor	National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Conditions	COVID-19
Enrollment	83 participants
Start Date	2020-09-22
Primary Completion	2026-12-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-09-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-01-14