Repairing and protecting the nose's smell-sensing tissue
Olfactory mucosa repair and defense: neuro-immune mechanisms and therapy
This project looks at how the cells and immune responses in the nose repair damage and aims to help people who lose their sense of smell after infections like COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266153 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the thin layer of cells in the nose that protect smell neurons and how inflammation signals start repair. Using mouse models and tissue studies, they will examine the role of sustentacular (support) cells and deep olfactory stem cells in regeneration. The team will explore how viral infections such as COVID-19 damage this tissue and which immune responses promote healthy recovery. Their experiments will test biological signals that might be harnessed to encourage better repair of smell function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have lost or had reduced sense of smell (anosmia or hyposmia), especially following a viral infection like COVID-19.
Not a fit: People with congenital smell loss, smell loss due to surgical removal of olfactory tissue, or purely mechanical nasal blockage may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that restore or speed recovery of smell after viral or inflammatory damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the olfactory epithelium can regenerate and that inflammation relates to COVID-era smell loss, but targeting sustentacular cell immune signals as a therapy is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lane, Andrew P — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lane, Andrew P
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.