How a gum bacterium weakens the mouth's antiviral defenses
Regulation and Manipulation of Oral Type III Interferon Responses by Porphyromonas gingivalis
This research looks at whether the common gum bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis weakens antiviral signals in the mouth lining, potentially increasing risk of oral viral infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258942 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium linked to gum disease, and how it affects Type III interferons (IFN-λ) that protect the oral lining. Researchers will work with oral epithelial cells, bacterial exposures, viral stimulants, and immune cell tests to see if the bacterium blocks antiviral signaling and changes neutrophil responses. They will also examine whether suppressing IFN-λ makes it harder to clear viruses and helps the bacterium persist in the mouth. Findings aim to point toward ways to boost oral antiviral defenses or limit harmful bacterial effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with periodontal (gum) disease, frequent oral viral infections, or ongoing oral inflammation would be the most likely candidates to participate or benefit.
Not a fit: People without gum disease or no history of oral viral problems would be unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat oral viral infections or gum disease by restoring IFN-λ signaling or targeting the bacterium.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown IFN-λ protects oral mucosa and that bacteria can alter interferon responses, but applying these findings specifically to Porphyromonas gingivalis's suppression of IFN-λ is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, United States
- Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagaitkar, Juhi — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Bagaitkar, Juhi
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.