Creating a 3D heart model to study COVID-19 related heart damage
Official title: Human organoid model for COVID-19 myocarditis
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10889266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 can harm the heart, especially a condition called myocarditis, by using tiny 3D models of human hearts made from stem cells, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how immune cells might be involved in heart problems caused by the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL167211-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have experienced cardiac injuries related to COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or do not have any cardiac complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 can cause heart damage, specifically myocarditis, by using advanced 3D human heart organoids. These organoids are created from human stem cells and mimic the structure and function of real human hearts. The study aims to understand the role of immune cells, particularly monocytes, in contributing to heart injuries seen in COVID-19 patients. By examining these interactions in a controlled environment, researchers hope to gain insights that traditional methods have not provided.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for heart complications arising from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on COVID-19's impact on the heart, this approach using 3D organoids is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Ying — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Ying
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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.