Understanding Immune Cells and Metabolism in Gum Disease
Official title: Immunometabolic Regulation of MDSCs in Periodontitis
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11159769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how immune cells and body metabolism are connected in gum disease, especially for adults who are also obese.
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 19, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,956 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032310-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who experience periodontitis, particularly those with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without periodontitis or those whose gum disease is not linked to obesity may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between obesity and severe gum disease, which affects many adults and can lead to tooth loss. We know that obesity often causes ongoing, low-level inflammation throughout the body, and this inflammation might make gum disease worse. Specifically, this project aims to understand how certain immune cells, called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), change their behavior and contribute to bone loss around the teeth when a person is obese. By looking at how these cells are affected by metabolism, we hope to uncover new ways to protect against the bone damage seen in gum disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat severe gum disease, especially for individuals with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: The link between obesity and periodontitis is recognized, but the specific mechanisms involving MDSC metabolic reprogramming are a novel area of focus for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirkwood, Keith L — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Kirkwood, Keith L
Related research
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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.