How the immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth and upper airway

Initiation of immune responses to SARS COV2 in the oral cavity and upper airway

NIH-funded research Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11084405

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project IDNIH-11084405 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New Orleans, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions after COVID-19 infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.