How aging affects the immune system and periodontal disease
Official title: The impact of the aging immune system on periodontal disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10917150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects your immune system and how that might impact gum disease, with the goal of finding better ways to help older adults keep their mouths healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,104 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DE029505-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who are experiencing or at risk for periodontal disease, particularly those with age-related immune changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 21 years old or those without periodontal disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the aging immune system and periodontal disease, focusing on how age-related changes in immune function may influence oral health. The project is led by Dr. Daniel Clark, who is training to become an expert in osteoimmunology, the study of the interactions between the immune system and bone health. Through collaboration with experienced mentors and a transdisciplinary team, the research aims to uncover novel insights that could lead to improved understanding and treatment of periodontal disease in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for periodontal disease in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune system's role in periodontal disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Daniel R. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Clark, Daniel R.
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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.