Investigating how a specific protein affects blood and endothelial cell communication during coronavirus infection
Official title: Non-conventional signaling by α5 integrin in blood and endothelial cells
Funded at Versiti Wisconsin, INC. · NIH-10945074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein in your blood cells interacts with the coronavirus and helps cells communicate, which could help us understand and improve treatments for COVID-19 complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Versiti Wisconsin, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $718,854 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175474-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals affected by COVID-19, particularly those experiencing severe inflammatory responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with COVID-19 or those with mild symptoms may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the α5 integrin protein in blood and endothelial cells, particularly how it interacts with the spike protein of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The study focuses on a novel cellular structure called tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), which facilitate communication between cells. By examining how the spike protein induces TNT formation through α5 integrin, the research aims to understand the inflammatory responses that may lead to complications in COVID-19. Patients may benefit from insights gained about cellular interactions that could inform new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing COVID-19 and its complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating α5 integrin in relation to TNTs and COVID-19 is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cell signaling and inflammatory responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jieqing — Versiti Wisconsin, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jieqing
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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.