NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 resists human immune responses

Official title: SARS-CoV-2 and Innate Immunity: Mechanisms of Resistance to Human Interferons

Funded at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NIH-10943904 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how different versions of the COVID-19 virus have changed to avoid being fought off by our body's natural defenses, which could help us develop better treatments and vaccines for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startOctober 1, 2023
Project endSeptember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX006270-02
Project IDNIH-10943904 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, particularly those experiencing acute symptoms or complications.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with chronic conditions unrelated to COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, has evolved to resist the body's innate immune responses, particularly the effects of various human interferons. By examining different variants of the virus, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow these variants to evade immune detection and response. The research employs advanced molecular techniques to analyze viral genes and their interactions with the immune system, providing insights that could inform future treatments and vaccines.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating COVID-19 and enhancing vaccine efficacy against emerging variants.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral resistance mechanisms in other pathogens, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for SARS-CoV-2 as well.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Poeschla, Eric M. — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
  • Study coordinator: Poeschla, Eric M.

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.