Investigating the link between inflammation and taste loss
Official title: Diversity Supplement to R01 DC018042
Funded at Monell Chemical Senses Center · NIH-11146878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation can change your sense of taste, especially for people with autoimmune diseases or infections like COVID-19, to help find new ways to treat taste loss that can lead to problems like not eating well or feeling down.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Monell Chemical Senses Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $68,585 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DC018042-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from taste disorders related to autoimmune diseases or infections, particularly those who have experienced COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any chemosensory dysfunction or those not affected by autoimmune conditions or infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how inflammation affects taste perception, particularly in patients with autoimmune diseases and infections like COVID-19. It aims to explore the mechanisms behind chemosensory dysfunction, which can lead to malnutrition and depression due to taste loss. The study will utilize both animal models and transgenic approaches to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in taste bud regeneration. By gaining insights into these mechanisms, the research hopes to pave the way for potential treatments for those suffering from taste disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for individuals experiencing taste loss due to inflammation or infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of taste loss in inflammatory conditions can lead to advancements in treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Monell Chemical Senses Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hong — Monell Chemical Senses Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hong
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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.