How the α5 integrin protein affects blood and blood-vessel cells' reaction to the coronavirus spike
Non-conventional signaling by α5 integrin in blood and endothelial cells
Researchers are looking at whether a protein on blood and blood‑vessel cells called α5 integrin helps the coronavirus spike protein trigger inflammation and clotting signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Versiti Blood Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would not be treated in this project; scientists will study blood and blood‑vessel cells in the lab, including cells taken from people, to see how the α5β1 integrin responds to the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein. They will look for tunneling nanotubes—tiny actin-rich connections between cells—and measure whether the spike protein and α5 integrin drive inflammatory or pro‑clotting signals. The team will use cell models, primary human blood and endothelial cells, and molecular tools to block or alter α5 to see if those changes reduce spike‑driven responses. The work aims to map the cellular pathway that might connect the virus to vascular inflammation and thrombosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with past or current COVID‑19—especially those who experienced blood clots or vascular inflammation—who are willing to donate blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without SARS‑CoV‑2 infection or without vascular or clotting problems are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab‑focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a target for reducing blood‑vessel inflammation and clotting related to COVID‑19, guiding future therapies or preventive strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have linked other integrins to SARS‑CoV‑2 interactions and shown that blocking integrins can reduce some viral effects, but the role of α5‑driven tunneling nanotubes is a newer and less‑tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Versiti Blood Health, INC. — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jieqing — Versiti Blood Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jieqing
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.