Mouth bacteria and the CD38 protein's role in aging-related gum and jaw bone loss
CD38 signaling in aging-associated immune responses induced by oral pathogens
Testing whether blocking a protein called CD38 can lower inflammation and jaw bone loss from gum infections in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how mouth bacteria trigger immune responses that get worse with age and whether blocking the CD38 protein can reduce that harmful inflammation. Researchers will use laboratory models, including aged mice and cell studies, to follow how the oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans affects immune signals and NAD+ levels. They will test a CD38 inhibitor (previously called 78c in animal work) to see if it restores healthier immune activity and prevents alveolar bone loss. The goal is to translate these findings into approaches that could preserve oral health and overall healthspan for older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with age-related periodontitis and signs of inflammatory jaw bone loss who are interested in new treatment approaches.
Not a fit: People without periodontal disease or whose jaw bone loss is caused by injury or non-inflammatory conditions are unlikely to benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that reduce gum inflammation and protect jaw bone in older adults, helping preserve teeth and oral function.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown CD38 inhibitors can restore NAD+ and improve healthspan in aged mice, but applying this approach to periodontal bone loss is a new direction.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Hong — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Yu, Hong
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 below.