Stem cell protein MIF to reduce tooth and facial pain
Evaluation of the Role of Macrophage Migratory Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in mediating Stem Cell Analgesia in a Model of Orofacial Pain
This project tests whether a protein released by dental stem cells (MIF) can calm nerve signals and reduce tooth‑related facial pain for people with infected teeth (apical periodontitis).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use human stem cells from the tip of developing teeth (hSCAP) and give them systemically in animal models of infected teeth to see if they relieve pain behaviors. They measure nerve cell activity in trigeminal neurons in lab dishes and look at pain responses in animals, including mechanical sensitivity and spontaneous pain measures. The team will block MIF with antibodies and create hSCAP lines with MIF removed by CRISPR to see if loss of MIF stops the pain relief. They will also study nerve receptors (CXCR4 and CD74) to understand how MIF acts on sensory neurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with apical periodontitis (infected teeth causing persistent dental or facial pain) would be the most likely candidates for future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: People whose pain comes from non‑dental causes or from conditions not driven by trigeminal nerve sensitization are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new stem cell‑derived or MIF‑based treatments that reduce dental and facial pain without opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work shows hSCAP injections can reverse tooth‑infection pain and that blocking MIF alters neuron responses, but these findings remain at the animal/cell level and have not been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruparel, Nikita — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ruparel, Nikita
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.