Investigating how taste buds interact with oral microbes and immune cells
Mucosal Immune Surveillance at the Taste Papillae
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN · NIH-10693341
This study is looking at how taste cells, the bacteria in our mouths, and immune cells work together, especially when infections like COVID-19 or candidiasis affect our sense of taste, to find ways to help people who have taste disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LINCOLN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10693341 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between taste cells, the oral microbiome, and immune cells in the mouth. It aims to understand how these interactions can lead to taste disorders, particularly in cases of infections like COVID-19 and candidiasis. By using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing, the study will identify specific immune pathways and cell types involved in maintaining taste function. This could help in developing strategies to prevent or treat taste loss associated with various infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing taste loss due to infections or other related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with taste loss not associated with infections or oral microbiome dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for taste loss caused by infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific interactions being studied are novel, previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in the oral cavity can lead to advancements in treating related disorders.
Where this research is happening
LINCOLN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN — LINCOLN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUKUMARAN, SUNIL KUMAR — UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN
- Study coordinator: SUKUMARAN, SUNIL KUMAR
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.