Investigating how COVID-19 affects airway inflammation through a specific protein interaction
Official title: COVID-19 airway inflammation is due to Spike inhibition of CFTR signaling
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11003695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the COVID-19 virus affects lung health and causes inflammation, using a special model to see how it interacts with a protein important for keeping airways clear, and it's also testing some existing medications that might help reduce this inflammation and improve recovery for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $571,842 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167048-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those with airway inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have mild COVID-19 symptoms or those who are not infected with the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms by which the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus contributes to airway inflammation in COVID-19 patients. It utilizes a 'lung-on-a-chip' model to study how the Spike protein interacts with the CFTR protein, which is crucial for maintaining airway health. By examining the effects of this interaction on cellular signaling pathways, the research aims to identify potential antiviral drugs that could mitigate inflammation and improve patient outcomes. The study also investigates how certain cardiac glycoside drugs may counteract the negative effects of the Spike protein on CFTR function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antiviral treatments that reduce airway inflammation and improve recovery for COVID-19 patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for treating viral infections, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pollard, Harvey Bruce — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Pollard, Harvey Bruce
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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.