Understanding how oral bacteria affect immune response in gum disease
Official title: The role of oral spirochete virulence factors in the impairment of neutrophil response
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10866869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in your mouth can weaken your immune system's ability to fight gum infections, which could help find new ways to treat gum disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $80,356 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DE027073-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from periodontal disease or those with high levels of oral spirochetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontal disease or those who do not have significant oral bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific oral bacteria, particularly spirochetes, in impairing the immune response of neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections in the gums. By examining how these bacteria interact with immune cells and produce virulence factors, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to periodontal disease. The research involves both in vitro experiments and analysis of bacterial components that may influence immune function. Patients with gum disease may find this research relevant as it seeks to identify new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve immune response and reduce the severity of periodontal disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting bacterial virulence factors can lead to improved outcomes in periodontal disease, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Visser, Michelle B — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Visser, Michelle B
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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.