How COVID-19 and stimulant drugs can affect the brain's blood–brain barrier
SARS-CoV-2 signaling and interactions with stimulant drugs of abuse via Sigma-1R: Impact on the BBB
This research looks at whether parts of the COVID-19 virus and stimulant drugs together make the brain's protective blood–brain barrier more leaky, which could matter for people who had COVID-19 and use stimulants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, scientists are examining how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and common stimulant drugs interact at a cellular receptor called Sigma-1R to change the blood–brain barrier. The team uses lab-grown models of brain blood vessels (cells that line brain capillaries and barrier systems) and molecular tests to measure leakiness, cell signaling, and markers of damage. They expose these models to spike protein and to stimulants alone and in combination to see whether effects are larger together. Findings aim to explain why some people get neurological problems after COVID-19, especially if they use stimulant drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to people who had COVID-19 and who currently use or have a history of using stimulant drugs, or who developed new neurological symptoms after infection.
Not a fit: People without a history of COVID-19 and without stimulant exposure are unlikely to see direct, immediate benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets or strategies to protect or repair the blood–brain barrier and reduce brain injury after COVID-19, particularly for people exposed to stimulants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and some stimulants can each harm the blood–brain barrier, but combining them through Sigma-1R signaling is a newer idea with limited prior testing.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unterwald, Ellen M — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Unterwald, Ellen M
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.