Understanding lung and heart damage caused by COVID-19
Official title: Mechanisms of lung and cardiac pathology in SARS-CoV-2 infections
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11018588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects the lungs and heart, especially focusing on a protein that might cause inflammation, and it aims to find better treatments for people who are more vulnerable to the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,004 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168501-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those with known immunodeficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how SARS-CoV-2 affects the lungs and heart, focusing on the mechanisms that lead to damage in these organs. The team will explore the role of a specific protein, Caspase-11, in promoting inflammation during COVID-19 infections. By studying genetically modified mice, they aim to identify how different cell types respond to the virus and how these responses can be targeted for treatment. The research also examines whether certain immune deficiencies worsen the effects of the virus, potentially leading to tailored therapies for those at higher risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce lung and heart damage in COVID-19 patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to COVID-19, but this specific approach focusing on Caspase-11 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yount, Jacob — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Yount, Jacob
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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.