Understanding how the body reacts to long-term effects after COVID-19 infection

Host cellular network governing the development of post SARS-CoV-2 tissue sequelae

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11044253

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your body interact after having COVID-19, which might help explain why some people experience ongoing health problems, and it hopes to find new ways to help those dealing with these long-term effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044253 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cellular interactions that contribute to long-term health issues following COVID-19 infection, known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). By analyzing single cell RNA sequencing data, the study focuses on how immune cells, particularly T cells and macrophages, interact and the role of the cytokine IFN-γ in these processes. The researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind chronic respiratory issues and explore potential treatments that could alleviate these long-term effects. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing post-COVID conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced long-term symptoms following COVID-19 infection.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those without any post-viral symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help alleviate chronic health issues experienced by COVID-19 survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding post-viral syndromes, but this specific approach focusing on the IFN-γ-STAT1 pathway is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions acute infectionacute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infectionacute SARS-CoV-2 infectionadverse sequelae of coronavirus diseaseadverse sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.