Understanding immune issues related to oral health after Covid-19
Official title: Mechanisms of Immune Dysfunction in Oral Post-Acute Sequelae of Covid-19
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10892624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Covid-19 might affect your mouth and gums, especially for people who have had lingering symptoms after the virus, and it focuses on understanding how this impacts Black and Hispanic communities compared to others, so we can learn more about keeping everyone's oral health in check.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | September 12, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $581,037 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE033249-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black and Hispanic individuals who have experienced Covid-19 and are dealing with oral health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had Covid-19 or do not have any oral health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Covid-19 affects oral health, particularly focusing on immune dysfunction in individuals who have experienced post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC). The study will analyze saliva and gingival fluid from participants to profile immune cells and understand the relationship between vaccination, periodontal disease, and oral health outcomes. It specifically targets Black and Hispanic populations, who are disproportionately affected by these conditions, to identify potential differences in immune responses. By comparing these groups with non-Hispanic Whites, the research aims to uncover critical insights into how Covid-19 impacts oral health across different demographics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of oral health issues in patients recovering from Covid-19.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into the effects of Covid-19 on various health aspects, this specific focus on oral health and immune dysfunction in minority populations is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naqvi, Afsar Raza — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Naqvi, Afsar Raza
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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.