The Nottingham Covid Research Group started in February 2020 to investigate the pathogenesis, treatment and complications of lung disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The group is being led by Professor Gisli Jenkins, NIHR Research Professor, Professor of Experimental Medicne at the University of Nottingham and Honorary Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) and involves researchers at the University of Nottingham, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, and NUH.
The focus of the Nottingham Covid Research Group is to:
Define whether SARS-CoV-2 gains entry to alveolar epithelium using a second receptor (eg Integrins) as well as, or instead of ACE2.
Determine whether soluble ACE2 facilitates, or inhibits alveolar uptake of SARS-CoV-2.
Determine the expression levels of ACE2 and potential co-receptors (eg integrins) in the alveoli in a range of diseases at various times throughout the life course.
Review the evidence that drugs which have the potential to protect the alveoli from a ‘cytokine’ storm might be useful therapies for severe Covid disease.
Determine the long term consequences of alveolar damage in Covid-19 related ARDS on the development of progressive pulmonary fibrosis. To help facilitate rapid breakthroughs they will post more details relating to each of these goals as and when have the protocols and preliminary data available so others can:
provide feedback
replicate
collaborate with the group on these studies.