Type I interferons and anti-autoantibodies to autoimmunity and COVID-19
- Funded by Estonian Research Council
- Total publications:2 publications
Grant number: PRG1117
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Key facts
Disease
COVID-19Start & end year
20212021Known Financial Commitments (USD)
$222,355.55Funder
Estonian Research CouncilPrincipal Investigator
Kai KisandResearch Location
EstoniaLead Research Institution
University of Tartu, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Transitional MedicineResearch Priority Alignment
N/A
Research Category
Pathogen: natural history, transmission and diagnostics
Research Subcategory
Immunity
Special Interest Tags
N/A
Study Type
Unspecified
Clinical Trial Details
N/A
Broad Policy Alignment
Pending
Age Group
Not Applicable
Vulnerable Population
Not applicable
Occupations of Interest
Not applicable
Abstract
Type I interferons are mediators of innate immunity. They are known in particular for their antiviral activity. However, their overproduction causes disease processes. The involvement of type I interferons has been shown in a number of conditions, including those that are incurable and cause a high burden of disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, to name a few. Type I interferons may also play an important and multifaceted role in the course of COVID-19, both in primary protection and in subsequent cytokine storms. The expected results of this project will help to understand the effect of interferons on different immune cells and to find ways to inhibit their autoimmune and inflammatory effects.