How MAPK cell signaling influences the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
Function interactions between mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and SARS-CoV-2
This project tests whether blocking certain cell signaling pathways called MAPKs can lower SARS‑CoV‑2 replication and the harmful inflammation seen in severe COVID‑19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how human MAPK pathways change when cells are infected with SARS‑CoV‑2 and how those changes affect the virus and inflammation. They will use detailed protein-mapping (proteomics), genetic screening, and experiments in live models and tissue samples to find which MAPK proteins matter most. The team plans to test whether existing MAPK-blocking drugs or new targets can reduce viral growth and lung inflammation. Findings are meant to point toward treatments that could help people with severe COVID‑19 or ARDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with severe COVID‑19 or COVID‑related ARDS who are hospitalized or willing to provide clinical samples for research.
Not a fit: People without COVID‑19 or with mild, self-limited infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to drugs that reduce viral replication and damaging inflammation in people with severe COVID‑19 or related lung failure.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that blocking p38/MAPK can reduce SARS‑CoV‑2 replication and inflammation, but clear benefit in patients has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- 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
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.