How COVID-19 interacts with stimulant drugs and affects the brain barrier.
SARS-CoV-2 signaling and interactions with stimulant drugs of abuse via Sigma-1R: Impact on the BBB
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus interacts with stimulant drugs and affects the protective barrier in the brain, to help us understand if these drugs might make neurological problems worse for people with COVID-19.
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-11078219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, interacts with stimulant drugs and impacts the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The study focuses on the role of the virus's spike protein and its entry mechanism through ACE2 receptors on brain endothelial cells. By examining these interactions, the research aims to understand how the presence of stimulants may exacerbate neurological damage in COVID-19 patients. The approach includes in vitro models to simulate these conditions and assess BBB function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include COVID-19 patients who also have a history of stimulant drug use.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or do not use stimulant drugs may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for neurological complications in COVID-19 patients, especially those who use stimulant drugs.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with stimulant drugs and the BBB are novel, related research has shown that viral infections can impact neurological health, indicating potential for significant findings.
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.