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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $178,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI193667-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.