Using engineered bacteria to treat gum disease.
Official title: Engineered Cytokine-Secreting Bacteria to Treat Periodontitis.
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10987827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for gum disease that uses specially modified bacteria to help reduce inflammation and promote healing right where it's needed in your mouth, making it potentially more effective than regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | September 3, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $436,773 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033529-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 30 years old who are diagnosed with periodontitis, particularly those with severe cases or dysregulated immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have periodontitis or those with other unrelated dental issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for periodontitis, a common gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. The approach involves using genetically-engineered bacteria that can secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines, which may help modulate the immune response and promote healing in the affected tissues. By encapsulating these engineered bacteria in biocompatible materials, the treatment aims to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the site of inflammation in the mouth. This localized delivery could enhance the effectiveness of the treatment compared to standard methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from periodontitis, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered probiotics for treating inflammatory conditions, suggesting that this approach may be viable for periodontitis as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chun-Teh — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chun-Teh
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.