How a Lung Protein Affects Asthma and COVID-19
Surfactant Protein-A and Type 2 Asthma in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
This project explores how a natural lung protein called SP-A might protect people with type 2 asthma from severe COVID-19 by influencing immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132932 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to patients with type 2 asthma and individuals who experience severe acute respiratory distress from infections like COVID-19.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing type 2 asthma or severe respiratory infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat severe COVID-19 by targeting the body's immune response and understanding why asthma might offer some protection.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds on existing knowledge about SP-A's role in inflammation and asthma, with new preliminary data suggesting its relevance to COVID-19.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kraft, Monica — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kraft, Monica
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 below.