How the immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth and upper airway
Official title: Initiation of immune responses to SARS COV2 in the oral cavity and upper airway
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11084405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system in your mouth and nose reacts to the COVID-19 virus, hoping to find out why some people get really sick while others don’t, and it’s for anyone who has had COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | November 20, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $741,811 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031928-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms related to the oral cavity or upper airway.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system in the oral cavity and upper airway responds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. By analyzing samples from a diverse group of COVID-19 patients, the study aims to identify specific immune responses generated in these areas that are crucial for fighting the virus. The researchers will use advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to understand how different cells in the nose and mouth react to the virus and how these responses may affect patient outcomes. This work could provide insights into why some individuals experience severe symptoms while others do not.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19 by enhancing immune responses in the oral cavity and upper airway.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding immune responses in the respiratory tract can significantly impact treatment outcomes, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glover, Sarah C — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Glover, Sarah C
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.