Understanding how the nose repairs itself and fights infections
Official title: Olfactory mucosa repair and defense: neuro-immune mechanisms and therapy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11017720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nose protects itself from damage and helps heal after infections, like COVID-19, to better understand how inflammation can affect your sense of smell and find new ways to improve it.
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 start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $646,346 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020841-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing anosmia or other olfactory dysfunctions, particularly those affected by COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with olfactory function intact or those with non-infectious causes of smell loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the olfactory epithelium, located in the nasal passages, protects itself from damage caused by infections and other threats. It focuses on the role of specific cells in the olfactory tissue that help maintain a barrier and support the regeneration of nerve cells after injury. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover how inflammation affects the sense of smell, especially in the context of viral infections like COVID-19. The findings could lead to new therapies that enhance the repair and function of the olfactory system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals suffering from loss of smell due to infections or other conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune responses of the respiratory epithelium, but this specific focus on olfactory repair mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lane, Andrew P — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lane, Andrew P
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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.