Newly funded: Managing the body’s immune response to limit SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, uses its spike protein to recognize the receptor ACE2 on human lung cells, attaching the virus to the cells. ACE2 expression can be decreased during this process by being clipped from the cell surface by an enzyme called ADAM17, resulting in increased lung damage. ADAM17 also clips other proteins that induce lung inflammation. Bruce Walcheck, PhD, and other researchers are leveraging their extensive experience and resources in immunology and virology research to explore ways to block ADAM17 function. They are hopeful that this approach will reduce various causes of lung damage during infection. If successful, the pilot study will be leveraged for drug development to target ADAM17. Over the next couple of months, the scientists will gain insight on how fast this project might develop.