Understanding how coronavirus infects lung cells
Official title: Modeling the contribution of coronavirus cellular tropism to viral pathogenesis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10747447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how coronaviruses, like the one that causes COVID-19, infect lung cells by focusing on a special receptor called ACE2, using mice that have been modified to help us learn more about how the virus works and how we can better treat and prevent lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174225-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with respiratory conditions or those at high risk for severe outcomes from coronavirus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those not affected by coronaviruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2, infect specific lung cells by focusing on the role of a receptor called ACE2. The researchers will create mouse models that express human ACE2 in certain airway cells to better understand how the virus enters these cells and causes disease. By examining these models, they aim to uncover the sequence of events that occur after exposure to the virus, which could lead to improved treatments and prevention strategies for lung infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for lung diseases caused by coronaviruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using similar mouse models to study viral infections, indicating a promising approach for understanding coronavirus pathogenesis.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koller, Beverly H — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Koller, Beverly H
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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.