Understanding how the immune system clears SARS-CoV-2
Official title: Coordination of innate and cellular mucosal immunity in SARS-CoV-2 clearance
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11073542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our immune system fights off the COVID-19 virus in the early stages of infection, using mice to learn how different immune cells work together, which could help us find better ways to boost our defenses against COVID-19 and its variants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $705,557 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI188896-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals who have recently been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those who are not at risk of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of both innate and cellular immune responses in clearing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It focuses on how the immune system reacts in the early stages of infection, particularly in the upper respiratory tract where the virus first enters the body. By studying immune responses in mice infected with a specific variant of the virus, the research aims to uncover how different immune cells work together to control and eliminate the virus. This could lead to better strategies for enhancing immunity against COVID-19 and its variants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, potentially leading to more effective vaccines and treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune responses to other viral infections, but this specific approach to SARS-CoV-2 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohlmeier, Jacob E — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kohlmeier, Jacob E
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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.