Understanding and treating severe lung damage from viruses like SARS-CoV-2
Role of ERK1/2 signaling in SARS-CoV-2 -induced dysregulated immunity and lung pathology.
This research explores how certain viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, cause severe lung inflammation and damage, aiming to find new ways to protect patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When severe respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 infect the body, they can lead to excessive inflammation and serious lung conditions such as acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our team has found that a specific pathway, called ERK1/2, plays a key role in this harmful immune response within the lungs. By blocking this ERK1/2 pathway, we observed a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in the body's ability to fight the virus. This project aims to confirm how ERK1/2 contributes to lung damage and to see if blocking it could be a promising new treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future patients suffering from severe viral lung infections, acute lung injury, or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients without severe viral lung infections or related acute lung conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce severe lung inflammation and enhance the body's antiviral defenses against dangerous respiratory viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Our preliminary findings suggest a novel approach, building on existing knowledge about viral infections and immune responses.
Where this research is happening
Stillwater, United States
- Oklahoma State University Stillwater — Stillwater, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Channappanavar, Rudragouda — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Channappanavar, Rudragouda
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 below.