Exploring how SARS-CoV-2 can enter the body through alternative receptors in the mouth.
Official title: ACE2-independent alternative receptors for SARS-CoV-2 at the oral mucosa
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10889423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus can enter the body through different pathways in the mouth, not just the usual one, to help us understand how it infects people, even if they’ve been vaccinated, and to find better ways to prevent and treat the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033170-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889423 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 or are at risk of infection, particularly those with varying vaccination statuses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or are not at risk for COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, can enter the body through receptors other than the well-known ACE2 receptor, particularly in the oral mucosa. The study focuses on understanding the role of alternative receptors, such as CD147, in viral infection, especially in cells found in the mouth and salivary glands. By examining how these receptors function, the research aims to uncover new insights into the virus's behavior and its ability to infect individuals, even those who are vaccinated. This could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19 infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches and vaccines that better protect against COVID-19 variants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying alternative receptors for viral entry, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Theresa L — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chang, Theresa L
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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.