Investigating how skin may play a role in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Official title: Potential role of skin in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10892026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus might enter the body through the skin, especially in communities like African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos who have been hit harder by the virus, to help us understand more about how it spreads and affects people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,917 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168798-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from African American and Hispanic/Latino communities who have experienced COVID-19 or have inflammatory skin conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the targeted ethnic groups or do not have skin conditions related to COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential role of skin in the infection process of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. It aims to understand how the virus may enter the body through skin cells, particularly in populations that have been disproportionately affected, such as African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. The study will analyze skin biopsies to detect viral presence and assess the expression of key proteins involved in the virus's entry. By examining these factors, the research seeks to uncover new insights into COVID-19 transmission and pathogenesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of COVID-19 transmission and inform strategies for prevention and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of skin in SARS-CoV-2 infection is a relatively novel area of investigation, some preliminary studies have indicated potential pathways for viral entry through skin cells.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Budunova, Irina — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Budunova, Irina
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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.