ICOS-Fc Therapy and Healing in Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Official title: Inducible T cell Co-Stimulator (ICOS)-Fc Effects in Periodontitis and Periodontal Healing
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11538109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults with periodontitis will test a special protein fragment called ICOS-Fc to calm gum inflammation and protect tooth-supporting bone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2026 |
| Project end | July 7, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $609,498 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE035844-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with periodontitis or at risk of alveolar bone loss who can participate in a translational research setting.
✕Less likely to help
People without periodontitis or with conditions not related to gum inflammation may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how a specific immune signal, ICOS/ICOSL, affects inflammation and bone loss in periodontitis. Researchers will use ICOS-Fc to stimulate cells in the gums and nearby tissues to reduce inflammation and prevent bone destruction. The study combines lab studies with observations in healthy human tissue environments to understand how ICOS-Fc changes immune interactions around teeth. If successful, this could point to a new approach to treat gum disease and preserve teeth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If ICOS-Fc proves safe and effective, it could lead to new therapies that reduce gum inflammation and protect tooth-supporting bone in adults with periodontitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on ICOS/ICOSL pathways has shown immune-modulating effects in inflammatory conditions, but its specific impact on periodontitis and bone loss is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costalonga, Massimo — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Costalonga, Massimo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
How HIV and HIV meds affect jaw bone and teeth
This project looks at how HIV, its treatment, and immune changes may cause jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV.
-
Periodontitis and HIV treatment–related bone loss in the jaw and teeth
This project studies how HIV and its treatment affect jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV, aiming to understand and reduce bone damage around teeth.
-
Oral-Gut–Bone Links in Periodontitis and Bone Loss
This research explores how gum disease could affect bone health by studying the connection between the mouth, gut, and bones in adults.
-
Diabetes-Driven Changes in Dendritic Cells and T Cells in Gum Disease
This project studies how poorly controlled diabetes alters immune cells in periodontitis to worsen gum disease.
-
Mitochondria-Targeted Regeneration of Jaw Bone in Periodontitis
A study to help adults with periodontitis rebuild jaw bone using a novel mitochondria-smart therapy.
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.