ERK1/2 signaling and SARS-CoV-2 immune dysregulation in the lung
Official title: Role of ERK1/2 signaling in SARS-CoV-2 -induced dysregulated immunity and lung pathology.
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11378563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to see if blocking ERK1/2 in immune cells can reduce dangerous lung inflammation from SARS-CoV-2 and boost antiviral defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $487,311 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL165423-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for severe viral pneumonia and ARDS could benefit from therapies targeting ERK1/2 signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without severe viral lung disease or those without myeloid-driven inflammation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why some people develop severe lung injury from respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It focuses on a cell-signaling pathway (TLR-ERK1/2) in myeloid immune cells that could drive harmful inflammation while dampening antiviral responses. The team will test whether inhibiting ERK1/2 can lessen lung damage and improve overall antiviral activity in experimental models. If successful, this work could point to a new therapeutic strategy to protect patients with severe viral pneumonia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If ERK1/2 blockade proves beneficial, patients with severe viral lung infections might experience less inflammation and better viral control.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest ERK1/2 blockade reduces inflammation and enhances antiviral responses in this context, supporting further study.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Channappanavar, Rudragouda — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Channappanavar, Rudragouda
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Oral small molecule inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication
A Stanford-led project tests a pill that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses from copying their RNA inside infected cells.
-
Outpatient antiviral cocktails to fight SARS-CoV-2 and future RNA viruses
Researchers at Stanford are developing outpatient antiviral cocktails that could be used easily outside the hospital to treat COVID-19 and future RNA virus infections.
-
Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Proteases to Block Viral Replication
A patient-facing program aims to discover and optimize small molecules that block key SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, potentially reducing viral replication.
-
How different COVID-19 vaccines shape immune responses
This project compares immune reactions after mRNA and adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines to learn how long protection lasts and why some people get breakthrough infections or side effects.
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.