Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 affects the salivary gland and immune response
Official title: SARS-CoV-2 tropism and immunomodulation in salivary gland
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11044439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with the salivary glands to see how it affects the immune response in that area, which could help us understand more about the virus and how it behaves beyond just the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2025 |
| Project end | June 16, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033795-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals of all ages who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the salivary gland, a tissue that has been less studied compared to the respiratory tract. The project aims to explore how the virus influences the local immune environment and the mechanisms of antigen presentation in this area. By examining the molecular interactions between viral and host components, the research seeks to uncover how the immune system responds to the virus in the salivary gland. This could provide insights into tissue-specific immune regulation and improve our understanding of how the virus behaves outside the lungs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of mucosal immunity and lead to better strategies for managing COVID-19 and similar viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory tissues, this investigation into the salivary gland is relatively novel and may provide new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nonaka, Taichiro — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Nonaka, Taichiro
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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.