Unraveling the Interplay between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Ulcerative Colitis: An Integrated Analysis of Immune Responses and Gut Microbiome

• Grant number: 25/01984-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
• Grantee: Jackeline Marino Lucas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/03257-4 - The interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and dysregulated gut immunity, AP.TEM

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. As the pandemic continues, it is essential to investigate the potential relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis (UC). This DD project aims to clarify whether clinical or endoscopic relapses of UC could be attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection or to long-term consequences of COVID-19. The student will perform continuous monitoring of UC patients to assess their infection status, collect samples, and investigate virus presence in biopsies, bacteriome, fecal metabolome, and PhIP-seq for antibodies raised against gut antigens. The study will provide valuable insights into the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection, immune responses, and gut microbiome in UC patients.