How airway immune defenses clear COVID-19
Coordination of innate and cellular mucosal immunity in SARS-CoV-2 clearance
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11249681
This project explores how natural immune defenses in the nose, throat, and lungs work together to remove SARS‑CoV‑2 and protect people from COVID‑19.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249681 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using laboratory models that mimic human COVID‑19 infection to study early innate responses (like interferons and CCR2‑monocytes) and later T cell responses in the upper and lower airways. They compare immune activity in the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) versus the lungs to identify which cells and signals control viral replication and clearance. The team uses mouse models of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and detailed immune measurements to map how mucosal innate and cellular immunity are coordinated. Results aim to reveal immune mechanisms that could be targeted to improve vaccines or treatments that act at the airway surface.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recently infected with or exposed to SARS‑CoV‑2, or vaccinated individuals willing to provide nasal or throat samples, would be most relevant for related human sampling efforts.
Not a fit: Patients who need immediate treatment for severe or advanced COVID‑19 are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic immunology research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to boost mucosal immunity to reduce infection, transmission, and severe COVID‑19.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown antibodies and some innate components matter for protection and mouse studies identified CCR2‑monocytes as important, but coordination of mucosal innate and T cell responses is less well understood.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOHLMEIER, JACOB E — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KOHLMEIER, JACOB E
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.
Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury