Biomarkers in saliva to predict Long COVID after COVID-19
Official title: Identifying Biological Signatures for Long COVID Development in Saliva
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11279907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A saliva-based test is being developed to identify people who are likely to develop Long COVID after acute COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $682,398 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035709-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11279907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who recently had acute COVID-19 and are at risk of developing Long COVID.
✕Less likely to help
People who never develop Long COVID or who cannot provide saliva samples may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project uses saliva samples collected during and after acute COVID-19 to map immune, microbial, protein, and metabolite patterns. Researchers will build a predictive algorithm that flags individuals at high risk for long-term symptoms. The goal is to enable earlier interventions and personalized care for those affected. The study leverages high-resolution profiling to connect oral biology with long-term outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could be identified early for interventions to prevent or mitigate Long COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests oral and immune signatures can reflect systemic responses, but predictive saliva-based panels for Long COVID are emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacox, Laura Anne — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Jacox, Laura Anne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
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Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.