Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 affects the brain and immune system
Official title: Viral and immune-mediated CNS pathology during SARS-CoV-2 infection
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11175753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus affects the brain and nervous system, especially why some people experience symptoms like headaches, seizures, or loss of smell and taste, and it invites patients to help by sharing their experiences and samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $417,822 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AI157488-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals who have experienced neurological symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune response in infected individuals. It aims to understand how the virus may invade the CNS and cause neurological symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and loss of smell and taste. By examining the immune response and potential neuroinflammation associated with the infection, the study seeks to clarify the mechanisms behind these symptoms. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help uncover these effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that similar approaches to studying the effects of coronaviruses on the CNS have been successful, indicating potential for meaningful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iwasaki, Akiko — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Iwasaki, Akiko
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
Alzheimer’s-related dementia after COVID-19: how SARS-CoV-2 affects the brain and potential drug repurposing
This research looks at how COVID-19 may contribute to dementia by studying brain inflammation, blood vessel injury, and virus-host interactions, with the goal of finding existing drugs that could help.
-
IL-22’s role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and tissue protection
A short study to understand how the cytokine IL-22 might help protect tissues during and after COVID-19 infection, especially in people with complications related to acute graft-versus-host disease.
-
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and its effects on placenta and child development
This grant studies how COVID-19 infection during pregnancy might change the placenta and influence a child’s brain development, especially in kids who may be at higher genetic risk for ADHD/ASD.
-
How COVID-19 and genetics influence memory and dementia risk in older adults
This project studies how getting COVID-19 interacts with people’s genetic makeup to affect the likelihood of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in older adults from diverse backgrounds.
-
Impact of COVID-19 on latent TB reactivation in Kenya
This project in Kenya checks how having had COVID-19 might influence the reactivation of latent tuberculosis in adults.
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.