Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 affects different organs using new mouse models
Official title: Novel animal models to study organ-specific SARS-CoV-2-induced pathology
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10739313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects different parts of the body, like the heart and brain, using special mouse models to help us understand the virus better and find better treatments for people dealing with complications from the illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | November 11, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $220,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173816-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe COVID-19 symptoms or complications affecting multiple organs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on various organs beyond the lungs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain. The researchers have developed novel mouse models that allow for the study of organ-specific pathology caused by the virus. By using these models, they aim to analyze how the virus interacts with specific cells in the lungs and intestines, which could provide insights into the broader impacts of COVID-19 on health. This work is crucial for developing targeted therapies for patients suffering from COVID-19-related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients experiencing organ-specific complications from COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study viral infections, making this approach promising for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tumanov, Alexei V — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Tumanov, Alexei V
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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.