Why dying infected airway cells trigger dangerous inflammation in COVID-19
Regulation of Pathologic Inflammasome Responses to SARS-CoV-2
This research looks at how infected, dying airway cells set off excessive inflammatory signals that can lead to severe COVID-19 lung injury and ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376391 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team combines patient single-cell RNA data with lab experiments using primary human airway cells and human immune cells to reproduce SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammation. They measure release of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, and other inflammatory signals when airway cells die and interact with leukocytes. The researchers will identify the specific inflammasome pathways and damage signals (DAMPs) that drive harmful cytokine storms. Their lab findings aim to reveal molecular steps that could be blocked to prevent or reduce ARDS in severe COVID-19.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who had severe COVID-19 or ARDS or who can donate airway or blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without COVID-19-related lung injury or those unable/unwilling to provide biological samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or strategies to reduce dangerous lung inflammation in severe COVID-19 and ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block IL-1 or IL-6 signaling have helped some patients with severe COVID-19, but directly targeting inflammasome activation is less tested and remains an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnett, Katherine Camille — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Barnett, Katherine Camille
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 below.