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PI
Research Objective
Alveolar type II cells are the stem cells of the lung, and they are killed by SARS-CoV-2. We will determine if a novel PIKFYVE kinase inhibitor prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection of type II cells.
Impact
Although PIKFYVE inhibition blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection, no known PIKFYVE inhibitors have suitable drug-like properties. We would validate a novel PIKFYVE inhibitor for the treatment of COVID-19.
Major Proposed Activities
If successful, these studies could lead to an effective treatment for COVID-19 that would reduce suffering from COVID-19 and enable Californians to live without social distancing requirements.