Different neutrophils in severe COVID-19 lung failure

Neutrophil Heterogeneity and Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 ARDS

NIH-funded research University of Louisville · NIH-11247911

This work looks at how different neutrophils cause severe COVID-19 lung failure to help guide better treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Louisville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Louisville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11247911 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project analyzes blood and lung samples from people with severe COVID-19 to identify distinct neutrophil types linked to ARDS. Researchers will use multi-omics profiling and laboratory tests to see which neutrophil subsets form NETs, activate platelets, degranulate, or drive clotting and inflammation. They will compare cells from severe patients to those from milder cases and healthy controls to connect cell behavior with disease severity. The findings aim to point to specific cell types or pathways that could be targeted to reduce lung injury and immunothrombosis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults hospitalized with COVID-19, especially those with or at high risk for ARDS, who can provide blood samples or consent to use of respiratory specimens.

Not a fit: People without COVID-19 or those with mild illness who are not hospitalized are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets for treatments that reduce lung inflammation, blood clots, and respiratory failure in severe COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked neutrophil NETs and low-density neutrophils to severe COVID-19 and thrombosis, but the specific CD16-intermediate LDN subset and its functions are newly described and remain under study.

Where this research is happening

Louisville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Lung InjuryAcute Pulmonary InjuryAcute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.