🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-01-13

Identification and Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Specific CD8 T Cells in Humans (NCT04565067)

Identification and Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Specific CD8 T Cells in Humans a Clinical Observation Trial

🔵 Active, Not Recruiting Interventional Protocol 📊 Observational Clinical Research Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

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. ...

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit — Baltimore, Maryland

Age range: 18 Years to 100 Years

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit — Baltimore, Maryland

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All COVID-19 clinical trials

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗