The UK Government is investing £8.4 million in COVID-19 immunology research projects across the UK, including the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.
It is the biggest ever contribution to COVID-19 immunology research in the UK.
Three new UK-wide studies will receive funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to understand immune responses to COVID-19.
Together, it is hoped these studies will improve the treatment of patients and inform the development of vaccines and therapies.
The Scottish universities are taking part in the largest study, the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium, which will receive £6.5 million and bring together leading immunologists from 17 UK universities. The University of Edinburgh is also involved in another study.
Dr Christopher Lucas, University of Edinburgh, will lead a study titled 'Inflammation in COVID-19: Exploration of Critical Aspects of Pathogenesis', which will receive £394,000.
It will focus on the key features of fatal COVID-19 and the impact the virus has upon the lungs and other vital organs.
Using authorised hospital post-mortem examinations of patients who have died from COVID-19, this study will provide a unique opportunity
