Understanding the blood-olfactory barrier and its role in smell loss
Official title: Defining the molecular and anatomical basis of the blood-olfactory barrier (BOB)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10723087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special barrier in the body that helps protect our sense of smell by keeping certain proteins in the blood from reaching the smell tissues, and it aims to understand how this barrier works and how it might be affected by infections like COVID-19, which could help people who have lost their sense of smell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $433,879 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021260-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10723087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing loss of smell or anosmia, particularly those affected by viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with olfactory function intact or those with non-viral causes of anosmia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the blood-olfactory barrier (BOB), a specialized structure that prevents certain proteins in the blood from reaching the olfactory tissues responsible for smell. By studying how this barrier functions from development through adulthood, the research aims to uncover its role in olfactory health and disease. The approach includes examining the cellular and molecular components of the BOB and how it interacts with pathogens, particularly in the context of infections like COVID-19. Patients may benefit from insights into how olfactory loss occurs and potential therapeutic targets for restoring smell.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anosmia and improve our understanding of upper airway immunity.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of the blood-olfactory barrier is relatively novel, similar research on blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moseman, E. Ashley — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Moseman, E. Ashley
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.