Understanding how sex differences affect inflammation in gum disease
Official title: Inflammasome regulation underlying sexual dimorphism in periodontitis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11009953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that cause inflammation might affect gum disease differently in men and women, especially for those with severe cases that lead to tooth loss, to help find better treatments for people who don’t get better with regular care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $731,256 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032830-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with periodontitis, particularly those experiencing severe inflammation or tooth loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild periodontitis or those who do not have a significant inflammatory response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of inflammasomes, which are protein complexes involved in inflammation, in the development of periodontitis, a common gum disease that affects bone and tissue supporting teeth. The study aims to explore how these inflammasomes function differently in males and females, particularly in patients who experience severe inflammation leading to tooth loss. By examining the biological mechanisms at play, the research seeks to identify potential new therapies for those who do not respond to standard treatments. Patients may be involved in the research to help clarify these differences and contribute to the development of targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for periodontitis that are tailored based on biological sex, improving outcomes for patients suffering from this condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammasome pathways can be effective in treating other inflammatory diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marchesan, Julie Teresa — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Marchesan, Julie Teresa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
How HIV and HIV meds affect jaw bone and teeth
This project looks at how HIV, its treatment, and immune changes may cause jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV.
-
Periodontitis and HIV treatment–related bone loss in the jaw and teeth
This project studies how HIV and its treatment affect jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV, aiming to understand and reduce bone damage around teeth.
-
ICOS-Fc Therapy and Healing in Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
A study in adults with periodontitis will test a special protein fragment called ICOS-Fc to calm gum inflammation and protect tooth-supporting bone.
-
Oral-Gut–Bone Links in Periodontitis and Bone Loss
This research explores how gum disease could affect bone health by studying the connection between the mouth, gut, and bones in adults.
-
Diabetes-Driven Changes in Dendritic Cells and T Cells in Gum Disease
This project studies how poorly controlled diabetes alters immune cells in periodontitis to worsen gum disease.
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.