Periodontitis and HIV therapy–related bone loss in people living with HIV
Official title: Intersection of Periodontitis with HIV-Antiretroviral Therapy-Induced Immune Reconstitution Bone Loss, on Alveolar Bone and Tooth Loss, in People Living with HIV
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11323448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how HIV treatment–related immune changes can drive bone loss around the teeth in people with HIV, and how periodontitis may worsen this effect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $354,573 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033635-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who are initiating or on antiretroviral therapy and at risk for periodontal disease or bone loss of the jaw.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontal disease or those not starting ART may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy influence bone loss around the jaw and teeth. Researchers will use patient data and animal models to understand immune-driven bone damage, focusing on the alveolar bone that supports teeth. The work aims to connect inflammatory changes from immune reconstitution with changes in oral bone health in people living with HIV. Findings could point to interventions that protect oral bone and prevent tooth loss for patients starting ART. The study will be conducted at Emory University with collaboration from experienced researchers in HIV and dental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to strategies to prevent alveolar bone loss and tooth loss in people with HIV starting ART.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown HIV-related bone loss and periodontal disease are linked; this study extends those findings to alveolar bone in the jaw.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weitzmann, Mervyn Neale — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Weitzmann, Mervyn Neale
Related research
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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.