Three UWindsor researchers are studying specific proteins in the lungs as an early warning system for COVID-19 complications.

Biology professors Munir Rahim and Lisa Porter and biochemistry professor Yufeng Tong are researching pro-inflammatory cytokines— microscopic proteins released by immune cells when the lungs are infected with a virus.

The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is part of the body’s response in defending itself against viruses and repairing damaged tissue, Dr. Rahim explained. However, excessive release of cytokines can cause hyper-inflammation. Hyper-inflammation can cause damage to the lung tissue, resulting in the respiratory distress and respiratory failure seen in patients who develop severe cases of COVID-19.

“Early detection of pro-inflammatory cytokines in confirmed COVID-19 patients could provide important information about disease progression and inform appropriate early intervention,” Rahim said.

“The overall goal of this project is to determine the type and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in swabs taken from suspected COVID-19 patients.”

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of corona virus. It has already claimed 650,000 lives worldwide, a figure that climbs by thousands each day.

Rahim and his research partners have already begun analyzing samples taken from patients swabbed at the COVID Assessment Centre at Windsor Regional Hospital. Findings will be shared with clinicians, giving them vital information on which to base treatment.

The project has been awarded a $10,000 grant by UWindsor’s Office of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation and the WE-Spark Health Institute, a research partnership involving the University of Windsor, Windsor Regional Hospital, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and St. Clair College.

It is one of 21 local COVID-related projects WE-Spark is funding through its COVID-19 Rapid Response grant program.

Rahim said he hopes to have the research project wrapped up by fall.

—Sarah Sacheli

Managing the needs of clients needing care during these uncertain times is the impetus behind a startup company participating in the RBC EPIC Founders program.

Ganeet Kaur, an international student and fourth-year criminology and sociology major, is the founder of Dignity, an online care coordination platform designed for the caregiving industry.

The company is a one-stop destination catering to the communication and operational needs of care recipients, care providers, and agencies.

Kaur, who has a background in leadership and community development, says Dignity will give the industry a place to streamline its operations by creating a platform for users to access all relevant information in order to manage communications with their clients effectively.

”I am always looking at opportunities to maximize my university experience and the EPIC Founders Program is an amazing opportunity for me to realize my entrepreneurial potential and come up with a product that will make a difference.”