Understanding how airway cells respond to respiratory viruses like COVID-19
Balancing epithelial cell resistance and resilience to respiratory viral infections
This study is looking at how the cells in our airways react when we get respiratory viruses like COVID-19, to find out what makes some people get sicker than others, and it hopes to help create new treatments that work with vaccines to make patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10994148 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how epithelial cells in the airway respond to respiratory viral infections, particularly focusing on COVID-19. It aims to identify specific factors that may lead to severe disease outcomes and how these factors interact with the body's resilience mechanisms. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study seeks to uncover the biological processes that contribute to varying responses to infections, which could inform new therapies. The ultimate goal is to develop host-directed treatments that work alongside vaccines to improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for severe respiratory infections, such as those with obesity or underlying health conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for severe respiratory infections or those without any underlying health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the body's ability to fight respiratory viral infections and reduce the severity of diseases like COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding viral responses and developing therapies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ordovas-Montanes, Jose Manuel — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ordovas-Montanes, Jose Manuel
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.