Comprehensive Immune Profiling of Solid Organ Transplant Recipients with COVID-19

Transplantation is a life-saving therapy for patients experiencing organ failure. At present there are over 800 patients on the waitlist for an organ in BC, with an additional 5,200 solid organ transplant recipients being monitored by care providers across the province. These patients represent a vulnerable population who may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19 due to their immunosuppressed state and burden of other health conditions. It is also unknown whether transplant patients can mount an appropriate immune response and develop protective immunity to COVID-19 in the same way as the general population. This research project seeks to learn more about the risk, presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 in transplant patients. Using cutting-edge immune assessment technologies, Dr. Lan will study the development and evolution of immune responses in transplant patients with COVID-19. This novel approach could provide new insights into the immunity of the virus and have a major impact on the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of COVID-19.