NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human cells

Official title: Translational Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 in response to viral S protein-induced signaling

Funded at Cleveland State University · NIH-10906983 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus interacts with our lung cells, specifically focusing on a part of the virus's RNA that helps it make proteins when it enters our body, and it aims to find out more about how this affects inflammation in people with COVID-19.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startAugust 14, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$185,625
NIH project number5R21AI173187-02
Project IDNIH-10906983 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 or are at risk of COVID-19 infection.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or those with unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with human lung cells, focusing on a specific RNA element that regulates viral protein translation in response to the virus's spike protein. By studying how this RNA element senses signals from host cells, the research aims to uncover new insights into the virus's behavior and its impact on inflammation. The approach involves biochemical techniques to analyze the binding of viral and host proteins to RNA elements, which could lead to a better understanding of COVID-19 pathology.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing COVID-19 and related respiratory infections.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding host-virus interactions in other respiratory pathogens, indicating potential for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Cleveland State University
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mazumder, Barsanjit — Cleveland State University
  • Study coordinator: Mazumder, Barsanjit

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.