Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 affects the brain and its role in COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 tropism in the brain and its relationship to COVID-19 pathogenesis

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10890506

This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus affects the brain, using special mice to help us understand its impact on breathing and overall health, which could lead to better treatments for people with COVID-19.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890506 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the brain, aiming to understand how it contributes to the overall disease process of COVID-19. Researchers will create specialized mouse models that mimic human brain responses to the virus by expressing the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Through various scientific techniques, they will analyze how the virus interacts with brain cells and its effects on respiratory control. The findings could lead to new insights into COVID-19's mechanisms and potential treatment targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced neurological symptoms related to COVID-19 or are at risk of such complications.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or do not exhibit any neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing COVID-19 and its neurological complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of SARS-CoV-2's effects on the brain is relatively novel, similar research into other viruses affecting the central nervous system has shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.