NIH-funded research R01 grant

How certain cellular pathways interact with the virus that causes COVID-19

Official title: Function interactions between mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and SARS-CoV-2

Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11044092 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus affects our cells and causes inflammation, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help people feel better and manage their symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMarch 13, 2023
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$827,164
NIH project number5R01AI170596-03
Project IDNIH-11044092 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are experiencing severe symptoms or complications.

Less likely to help

Patients who have mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 may not receive significant benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects human cells by activating specific cellular pathways known as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). By using advanced technologies, the researchers aim to understand the role of these pathways in the severe inflammation seen in COVID-19 patients. The study employs various methods, including genetic screening and models of infection, to explore how inhibiting these pathways might reduce the virus's ability to replicate. The ultimate goal is to identify potential treatments that could help manage COVID-19 symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for COVID-19 that target specific cellular pathways to reduce inflammation and viral replication.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cellular pathways for treating viral infections, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Johnson, Jeffrey R — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Study coordinator: Johnson, Jeffrey R

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.