# Project-004

> **NIH NIH U54** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $199,538

## Abstract

Abstract:
The Emory U54 SeroNET U54 program is a multidisciplinary program that brings together
experienced team of investigators to tackle fundamental issues relating to immunity to
SARS CoV-2, particular in patients with cancer and autoimmunity. The team has a long
track record of prior work in basic and translational studies in the setting of viral infections,
vaccines and cancer. The program consists of 3 interacting projects and two essential
cores in addition to the administrative core. Studies in project 1 (led by Sanz) will study
the biology of SARS CoV-2 specific effector B cell responses in patients with
autoimmunity, with a particular focus on extrafollicular B cell pathway. Studies in project
2 (led by Sekaly and Wrammert) will study the role of inflammatory milieu in regulating
antiviral immunity and in the development of long term memory responses. Studies in
project 3 (led by Dhodapkar and Ahmed) will focus on studying the impact of specific
cancer therapies, in particular B/plasma cell depleting therapies in patients with B/plasma
cell malignancies, and immune checkpoint blockade in patients with lung cancer. These
studies will also set the stage for studying immune responses to future SARS CoV-2
vaccines in patients with autoimmunity as well as cancer patients. The programs are
supported by active cores (led by Roback and Neish) which have experience with
monitoring immunity to SARS CoV-2. Together, this program will not only provide basic
insights into immune-pathogenesis of COVID, but also provide the consortium with
access to unique patient populations at higher risk of COVID-related mortality.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10705953
- **Project number:** 4U54CA260563-02
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MADHAV V DHODAPKAR
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $199,538
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2020-09-30 → 2025-03-24

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10705953

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10705953, Project-004 (4U54CA260563-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10705953. Licensed CC0.

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