Understanding lung and heart damage caused by COVID-19

Mechanisms of lung and cardiac pathology in SARS-CoV-2 infections

['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11018588

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11018588 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those with known immunodeficiencies.

Not a fit: Patients who have mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Columbus, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.