Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 affects immune responses
Official title: Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2-mediated piracy of p38ß
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11025895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus affects our immune system, especially a protein called p38β, to find new ways to help reduce the virus's spread and the severe inflammation that can happen in serious cases of the illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2023 |
| Project end | November 21, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI174615-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11025895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and are experiencing severe symptoms or complications related to COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with mild symptoms may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with the human immune system, particularly focusing on a specific protein called p38β. By examining the virus's manipulation of signaling pathways, the study aims to identify potential drug targets that could help reduce both viral replication and the excessive inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. The approach includes genetic perturbation techniques to explore the role of p38 kinases in the infection process, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce the severity of COVID-19 by targeting specific immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other viral infections, suggesting that this approach could be effective for COVID-19 as well.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Higgins, Christina — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Higgins, Christina
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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.