Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
Official title: Defining neutrophil pathobiology in pediatric Long COVID
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11473912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $752,976 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL173059-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11473912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection who exhibit Long COVID symptoms, compared with age-matched healthy controls.
✕Less likely to help
Children without Long COVID or without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection are unlikely to benefit from this neutrophil-focused study.
What this research studies
Children who had COVID-19 and continue to have symptoms are being studied to understand the role of neutrophils in Long COVID. The study will compare neutrophil activation and function in affected kids versus healthy controls using single-cell RNA sequencing and microfluidic tests. Researchers also plan to collaborate with an existing trial of larazotide to see if reducing spikes in the blood can reverse neutrophil changes. The goal is to uncover measurable markers and therapeutic targets to improve care for pediatric patients with Long COVID. This work could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options for children affected by this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and new treatments for children with Long COVID by targeting neutrophil-driven inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in adult Long COVID suggest neutrophil abnormalities may persist and relate to symptoms, supporting translation to pediatric populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yonker, Lael — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yonker, Lael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
-
Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
-
Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
-
Improving Access to Multidisciplinary Care for long COVID patients
A team at UW is expanding a long COVID clinic to help more patients get coordinated, multidisciplinary care—especially in rural areas and underserved communities.
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.