Why some people have long-term lung problems after COVID-19
Uncover mechanisms underlying the development of chronic lung sequelae post COVID-19
This project looks for the biological causes of long-lasting breathing and lung problems in adults who had COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will compare people who recovered from severe COVID-19 but now have lasting lung problems with people who recovered without lasting issues. You would receive a clinical exam, breathing (pulmonary function) tests, and detailed chest CT scans, and be asked to give blood and other samples. Scientists will analyze imaging, cells, and molecular markers to find what drives chronic lung damage after COVID-19. The goal is to use those findings to identify targets for new treatments or ways to prevent long-term lung problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who previously had COVID-19—especially those who were severely ill and now have persistent shortness of breath, reduced lung function, or abnormal chest imaging—are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a history of COVID-19, children, or adults whose infection left no ongoing lung symptoms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat long-term lung damage and breathlessness after COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have documented lasting CT and lung-function changes after COVID-19, but tying those findings to specific cellular mechanisms is still relatively new and not yet proven to produce treatments.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Jie — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sun, Jie
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.