SARS-CoV-2, social factors, and immune-driven depression risk
Official title: SARS-CoV-2 and Social Determinants of Health Impact on Inflammation Associated Depression Risk (SSIDR)
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11418062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how COVID-19 infection and social conditions affect immune signals linked to depression, to see who might be most at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,676,660 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1MH136492-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection or reinfection and are willing to provide biological samples and health information.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without SARS-CoV-2 exposure or those unwilling to participate or share health data may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine how inflammation-related molecules in the body respond to SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection, and how social determinants of health shape that response. Using advanced mass spectrometry, the team will quantify eicosanoids, a family of inflammatory mediators, to understand their role in depression risk after COVID-19. The study builds on EMBARC with an interprofessional team to test whether infection and social factors jointly influence neuroimmune pathways that contribute to mood disorders. If successful, the work could identify biomarkers and potential intervention points for patients struggling with post-COVID depression. Participants will come from adults 21 and older and will involve collecting biological samples and health information over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to biomarkers and personalized strategies to prevent or treat depression linked to COVID-19–related inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests eicosanoids influence neuroinflammation and depression, supporting a plausible link explored here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Linda Y. — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Kim, Linda Y.
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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.