Blocking TMPRSS2 to help prevent COVID-19 and other lung virus infections
TMPRSS2 as a potential target for treatments of COVID-19 and respiratory infectious viruses in lung
This project is seeing whether blocking a lung protein called TMPRSS2 can stop SARS‑CoV‑2 and similar viruses from entering lung cells in people with COVID‑19 or other respiratory infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about work aimed at keeping the virus from opening the ‘door’ into lung cells by targeting a protein called TMPRSS2 that the virus needs to enter cells. Researchers will use human alveolar type II cells and 3‑D lung tissue models grown in the lab, and test TMPRSS2‑blocking drugs or molecules to see if infection is prevented. They will also use animal models to check safety and how well the approach reduces lung infection. If the lab and animal results look promising, the findings could be moved toward testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent SARS‑CoV‑2 infection or recent exposure and those at high risk for severe lung disease would be the most likely candidates for future testing of such treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with late‑stage COVID‑19 driven mainly by immune damage rather than active viral entry, or infections that use different entry pathways, may not benefit from TMPRSS2 blockers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could produce an antiviral that reduces how easily the virus infects the lungs, lowering severe illness and transmission.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown TMPRSS2 inhibitors can reduce SARS‑CoV‑2 entry into cells, but clinical benefit in patients remains limited and further translational work is needed.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Ya-Wen — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Chen, Ya-Wen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.