NIH-funded research R21 grant

IL-22’s role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and tissue protection

Official title: Determining the role of the cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11451891 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A short study to understand how the cytokine IL-22 might help protect tissues during and after COVID-19 infection, especially in people with complications related to acute graft-versus-host disease.

More SARS-CoV-2 research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startAugust 10, 2026
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$178,750
NIH project number1R21AI193667-01A1
Project IDNIH-11451891 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with or at risk for tissue damage from SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those with or at risk of graft-versus-host disease.

Less likely to help

If IL-22 does not protect tissues in this context, some patients may not benefit from this approach.

What this research studies

This project looks at how IL-22 influences tissue responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection and in the context of graft-versus-host disease. It will explore how IL-22 changes epithelial cell behavior, cell survival, and tissue repair in affected organs like the GI tract and lungs. The research may involve laboratory studies using human cells and tissue samples to see how IL-22 could prevent tissue damage or promote healing in COVID-19–related conditions. Results could point to future therapies that reduce long-term complications after infection. The work aims to translate findings into strategies that help patients recover more fully from COVID-19 and PASC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect and repair damaged tissues in COVID-19 patients and reduce long-term complications.

How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests IL-22 can protect inflamed tissues and is being explored in related conditions, but its role in SARS-CoV-2–related tissue damage is still being defined.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zenewicz, Lauren a — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Zenewicz, Lauren a

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.