Immune Regulation of COVID-19 Infection in Cancer and Autoimmunity

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.