Caspase-4/11 exacerbates disease severity in SARS–CoV-2 infection by promoting inflammation and immunothrombosis - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)

This study focused on a molecule called Caspase-11, finding that it was critical in the inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers were able to genetically remove Caspase-11 in mice, who then fared much better after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. This presents a potential drug target for treatment and prevention of severe COVID-19 in humans.  Co-Author Jacob Yount was funded by the American Lung Association’s COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research Award in 2021.