How viruses enter the nasal mucosa using cilia
Official title: Cilia-mediated mechanisms of viral entry into nasal mucosa
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11134557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses like SARS-CoV-2 get into the nose and how we might stop them by blocking their entry, which could help us find new ways to prevent respiratory infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $484,989 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI184984-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with respiratory conditions or those at high risk for viral infections, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those not affected by viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, enter the nasal mucosa through cilia on nasal epithelial cells. By using cultured human primary nasal epithelial cells, the study aims to understand the interaction between viruses and cilia, which are crucial for mucociliary clearance. The researchers will explore how inhibiting this interaction can reduce viral infections, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The findings could provide insights into preventing respiratory viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for preventing respiratory viral infections, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of cilia in viral entry can lead to effective interventions, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Chien-Ting — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wu, Chien-Ting
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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.