How a Lung Protein Affects Asthma and COVID-19

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Our work began by focusing on Surfactant Protein A (SP-A), a natural protein in the lungs known to help calm inflammation in asthma. We found that SP-A can attach to the IL-6 receptor, which is important for certain types of asthma. With the emergence of COVID-19, we discovered that SP-A might also play a role in reducing the severe immune response seen in some COVID-19 patients by blocking IL-6 signals and binding to the virus's entry point, ACE2. We are also looking into why people with type 2 asthma seem to have less severe COVID-19, possibly due to their immune responses affecting ACE2 levels.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Arizona
  Tucson, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Kraft, Monica — University of Arizona
• Study coordinator: Kraft, Monica

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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.