Investigating how COVID-19 affects the brain and immune system in long-term patients
Official title: Blood brain barrier integrity and immune dynamics contributing to neuropsychiatric sequela in COVID long-haulers
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10688300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 might affect the brain and cause ongoing symptoms in people who have recovered, and it’s for anyone who has experienced these lingering issues after their illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,906,437 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1MH133411-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10688300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and are experiencing lingering neurological or psychiatric symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or do not exhibit any neuropsychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurological symptoms experienced by individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, often referred to as 'long-haulers'. It aims to explore how the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and immune responses contribute to ongoing neuropsychiatric issues. By analyzing blood samples and brain responses, the study seeks to identify specific immune markers and mechanisms that may lead to these persistent symptoms. Patients may be asked to provide blood samples and undergo assessments to help uncover the links between COVID-19 and neurological health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID long-haulers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that similar approaches in studying chronic viral infections and their effects on the brain have yielded valuable insights, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rubin, Leah Helane — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Rubin, Leah Helane
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.