How COVID-19 can get into mouth cells without the ACE2 doorway
ACE2-independent alternative receptors for SARS-CoV-2 at the oral mucosa
Looking at how COVID‑19 gets into mouth and saliva cells without the usual ACE2 doorway to help people at risk of infection.
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 ID | NIH-11159675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine cells from the oral cavity—such as salivary gland, gum, and mouth‑lining cells—to find other proteins the virus uses to enter. They will use lab‑grown cell models, safe pseudovirus systems, and some replication‑competent virus tests to see which receptors allow infection and how new variants behave. The team will test whether infections through these alternate receptors resist current antibodies from vaccines or monoclonal treatments. The goal is to map entry routes in the mouth that might be targeted to prevent or treat infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults able to provide saliva or small oral tissue samples, including people who have had COVID‑19 or been vaccinated.
Not a fit: People who cannot give oral samples or who need immediate clinical treatment for COVID‑19 are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat COVID‑19 infections that start in the mouth, such as targeted mouth treatments, improved vaccines, or antiviral drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Some labs have reported alternative receptors like CD147 and provided preliminary data, but using those findings to create effective treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- 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
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 below.