How Mouth Bacteria Affect Inflammation in Gum Disease
Official title: Microbial sphingolipids and suppression of host inflammation in periodontal disease
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11122263 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how certain bacteria in the mouth produce special molecules that might calm down the body's immune response, potentially leading to long-lasting gum disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,007 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031159-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122263 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of chronic periodontal disease and how bacteria interact with our immune system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients looking for immediate new treatments or clinical trials will not directly benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Our bodies usually fight off infections with inflammation, but in chronic gum disease, this response doesn't clear the infection and can even cause tissue damage. We are learning how specific bacteria, like *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, create unique molecules called sphingolipids that appear to reduce the body's immune reaction. These bacterial molecules might be transferred to our own cells, acting as a way for bacteria to 'talk' to our immune system. By understanding how these bacteria suppress inflammation, we hope to uncover new ways to treat chronic gum disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for periodontal disease by targeting how bacteria manipulate the body's immune system.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that *Porphyromonas gingivalis* can suppress the immune system, and our preliminary studies have highlighted the importance of its sphingolipids in this process.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibson, Frank C — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Gibson, Frank C
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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.