NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how IL-37 controls inflammation in gum disease

Official title: DECIPHERING MECHANISMS OF IL-37 MEDIATED CONTROL OF PERIODONTAL INFLAMMATION

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10784348 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called IL-37 can help manage gum disease by understanding the immune responses involved in inflammation, and it's for anyone interested in finding better treatments for chronic periodontitis.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$169,242
NIH project number1K08DE033494-01
Project IDNIH-10784348 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are experiencing chronic periodontitis.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute periodontal conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on the immune responses involved in periodontal inflammation, particularly how the protein IL-37 can help control this process. The principal investigator, Dr. Adam Lietzan, will utilize advanced techniques to study the interactions between the immune system and bacteria that contribute to gum disease. By training in various scientific methods and collaborating with experts, the goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for chronic periodontitis. This work aims to enhance our understanding of how inflammation occurs and how it can be managed effectively.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from chronic gum disease, potentially reducing inflammation and enhancing oral health.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in periodontal disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lietzan, Adam — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Lietzan, Adam

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.