NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how immune cells affect lung problems after COVID-19

Official title: Immune Programs and Related T Cell Mechanisms of Pulmonary Complications After COVID-19 Illness

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10886167 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells might be causing lung problems in people who have recovered from severe COVID-19, and it's for anyone who wants to understand more about their recovery and what might help improve their lung health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$410,000
NIH project number1R56AI178669-01
Project IDNIH-10886167 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe COVID-19 illness and are suffering from persistent lung complications.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not had severe COVID-19 or do not exhibit any pulmonary complications may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of T cells in causing lung complications in patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19. By using advanced techniques like single-cell analysis and machine learning, the study aims to identify specific immune cell populations in the blood that may contribute to ongoing lung issues. The researchers will analyze a well-defined group of COVID-19 patients to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these complications, potentially leading to better treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of lung damage in COVID-19 survivors.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in COVID-19, but this approach is particularly innovative and tailored to the complexities of pulmonary complications.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Woodfolk, Judith a — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Woodfolk, Judith 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.