Immunometabolic Regulation of MDSCs in Periodontitis
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11377148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how immune cells linked to obesity might drive gum disease by increasing bone loss around teeth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $466,567 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032310-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older with periodontitis or at risk due to obesity-related inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without periodontitis or obesity-related inflammatory risk may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
If you have periodontitis and obesity, this research looks at how immune cells called MDSCs behave in the gums and bones. The study plans to examine how metabolic changes from obesity affect these cells and their ability to cause bone loss around teeth. Researchers will use human samples and models to understand the link between obesity, inflammation, and periodontal damage, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted to protect teeth and improve health. The findings could point to new ways to prevent or reduce alveolar bone loss in people with obesity and periodontitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights from this work could lead to new strategies to prevent bone loss in gum disease, especially for people with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked obesity-driven inflammation to periodontal bone loss, but the specific role of MDSCs is an area of active investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirkwood, Keith L — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Kirkwood, Keith L
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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.