NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How fibrin and neutrophils interact in gum disease

Official title: Fibrin-neutrophil interaction in periodontitis immunopathology

Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10928824 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune system components, like fibrin and neutrophils, affect gum disease, especially in young people with a rare condition called ligneous periodontitis, to better understand why it causes serious oral health problems like tooth loss and how we can help.

More Periodontitis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$242,721
NIH project number5R00DE030124-03
Project IDNIH-10928824 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents with genetic predispositions to gum disease, particularly those with conditions like Plasminogen deficiency.

Less likely to help

Patients without genetic factors contributing to gum disease or those with unrelated oral health issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of fibrin and neutrophils in the immune response related to gum disease, particularly focusing on a condition known as ligneous periodontitis. It aims to understand how disruptions in mucosal immunity can lead to severe oral health issues, including significant bone loss and tooth loss in adolescents. By studying patients with specific genetic mutations, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind these conditions and how they can be addressed. The approach includes analyzing immune responses and fibrin deposition in oral tissues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for gum disease that significantly improve oral health and prevent tooth loss in affected individuals.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune mechanisms involved in oral diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Harvard Medical School
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Silva, Munasinghage Lakmali — Harvard Medical School
  • Study coordinator: Silva, Munasinghage Lakmali

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.