Clinical and Molecular Features of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Clinical Center

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Project 1: We conducted 44 autopsies among fatal cases of COVID-19 at collaborating regional medical centers during April 2020 to March 2021, including 11 cases with extensive sampling of brain. Over 10K bio-specimens were collected from these cases and preserved for ongoing characterization of SARS-CoV-2 tissue distribution and host pathological, immunological and molecular responses. We have characterized SARS-CoV-2 distribution, persistence, cellular tropism, and evolution in the body and brain. The primary findings from this study describing SARS-CoV-2 distribution and persistence in the human body and brain have been published. Additional investigations into the host response to virus are ongoing. Project2: We have collected longitudinal clinical data and human bio-specimens (e.g., plasma, PBMCs, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage) from patients enrolled in clinical studies at the NIH Clinical Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center. These data and samples are being used to correlate clinical findings with viral kinetics and host immunological and molecular responses. We have completed an initial characterization of 15 soluble plasma biomarkers related to immune and thrombotic responses during among this cohort illness and recovery. The manuscript related to this work is in preparation.