TREM2's role in age-related periodontal inflammation and disease
Official title: Mechanisms of age-related inflammatory dysregulation in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11369194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers want to understand how aging changes the immune response in gums and how TREM2 affects periodontal disease, with a focus on people as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2026 |
| Project end | June 9, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $311,687 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE034716-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with periodontal disease or at risk for periodontal inflammation may benefit from future targeted therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without periodontal disease or aging-related inflammatory conditions may not see direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project from the University of Pittsburgh will explore how age-related changes in the immune system influence periodontal disease, concentrating on the TREM2 receptor in macrophages. By studying TREM2 signaling, the team hopes to uncover why inflammation in the gums worsens with age and how it might relate to other age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The work builds on preliminary findings in mice showing TREM2's importance for regulating inflammation in the periodontium and will use laboratory models to elucidate mechanisms that could point to new therapeutic approaches. If successful, the results could help tailor treatments for older adults suffering from chronic periodontal inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of the immune pathways in aging gums could lead to targeted therapies that reduce inflammation and protect dental health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in mice indicate TREM2's role in regulating macrophage inflammation in the periodontium, supporting a plausible translational path to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Daniel R. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Clark, Daniel R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Biofilm structure and its role in the start of gum disease
A researchers team will study how tiny communities of bacteria at the gumline interact with the mouth’s tissues to spark inflammation that leads from healthy gums to periodontal disease.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Periodontal Health in Newborns: Reducing Small Vulnerable Newborn Deaths in Nepal
A large study in Nepal will test whether a simple oral care package started in early pregnancy can lower the risk of tiny, high-risk newborns dying in their first month.
-
Gingival keratinocyte ferroptosis in periodontal disease pathogenesis
A study exploring how iron-related cell death in gum cells may drive gum disease and bone loss in periodontitis, and what this could mean for future treatments.
-
Periodontal health and dementia risk in a large health system
A large health system will study whether gum disease and its treatment relate to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias over time.
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.