The COVID-19 Research Network Lower Saxony (COFONI) is funding 13 projects with a total of around 6 million euros. Six of these projects are led by scientists who also conduct research in RESIST. The projects are funded with up to 500,000 euros each. In addition, RESIST researchers are also involved in four other projects.
The six projects focus on research into active substances against SARS-CoV-2 and on the causes and long-term consequences of COVID-19 disease:
The project Activity of human broadly neutralizing antibodies in a SARS-CoV-2 primate model is coordinated by RESIST spokesperson Prof. Schulz, and applicants include RESIST researcher Prof. Krey.
The project Preclinical development of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 is coordinated by Prof. Kalinke.
The project Prediction of Escape Mutants (PREMUS) is coordinated by Prof. Čičin-Šain.
The project LISE – Long-term immune responsiveness of senior individuals to SARS-CoV-2 is coordinated by Prof. Hühn. Applicants are also Prof. Förster, Prof. Li, Prof. Illig, Dr. Rösner and Prof. Werfel.
The project Revealing genetic regulation of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection using single-cell omics approaches is coordinated by Prof. Li, applicant is also Prof. Cornberg.
The project Role of TMPRSS2 proteolysis in SARS-CoV-2 spread in cells of the respiratory tract and in vivo is coordinated by Prof. Čičin-Šain.
The Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture is providing special funding of around two million euros for four of the 13 projects investigating the long-term effects of COVID. The LISE project also benefits from this.
The illustration shows the four key areas (Epidemiological modelling, Antiviral strategies, Digital Infectious Medicine and Pathophysiology) around the central technology platform.