Understanding how our bodies and germs affect COVID-19 risk and symptoms
Host-Microbe Interactions and SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility and Symptoms in aNovel Human Challenge Model
This research looks at how the tiny germs living in our airways and our own genes might make some healthy people more or less likely to get sick with COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291372 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to understand why some people get COVID-19 easily or have worse symptoms, even when exposed to the same virus. This project uses information and samples from healthy adults who previously participated in a special study where they were carefully exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. By studying their upper airway germs (microbiome) and their gene activity, we hope to find natural factors that protect against or increase the risk of infection. This knowledge could help us develop better ways to prevent COVID-19 and create more effective treatments and vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research uses data from healthy adults who previously participated in a controlled COVID-19 exposure study and had no prior infection or vaccination.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently ill with COVID-19 or those who have already been infected or vaccinated would not directly benefit from participating in this specific data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing COVID-19 infection and developing more targeted treatments and vaccines.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon a novel 'first-in-human' SARS-CoV-2 challenge study, providing a unique opportunity to study host factors under controlled conditions.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Matthew Scott — Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Matthew Scott
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.