Contact: Dr. Dr. R. Dwayne Lunsford, 301-594-2421, lunsfordr@nidcr.nih.gov
The Immunology and Immunotherapy Program supports extramural basic and translational research on the immune aspects of oral diseases such as caries and periodontal diseases.
The program is composed of the following major areas of research:
- Host responses to microbes
- Immunology of biofilms
- Oral inflammation
- Systemic diseases
- Immunotherapy
- Immunopathologies
- Host susceptibility to infection
In addition, this program encourages research that is responsive to the NIH Roadmap Initiatives.
Host Response to Microbes
An understanding of the host recognition of and response to oral microbes is essential for development of immunotherapies for oral infectious diseases. These include:
- Antibody- and cell-mediated responses
- Innate activities of host recognition to oral microbes, cytokines, chemokines, neutrophil and macrophage antimicrobial activities
- Antimicrobial factors present in saliva and on the mucosa
Elucidation of the biological events associated with inflammation, including detailed analyses of the cytokines, chemokines and growth factors involved in these processes, is expected to lead to new therapies for oral infectious diseases.
Immunology of Biofilms
Research in this area includes:
- The role of innate and host immune responses
- Mechanisms of biofilm formation
- Resistance of biofilms to antimicrobial agents
- Development of strategies for the immunological prevention and treatment of microbial biofilm-associated oral diseases
Oral Inflammation
An understanding at the cellular and molecular levels of the pathogenesis of oral inflammation is essential for the development of therapeutic strategies. Immune responses include humoral and cell-mediated responses as well as innate and adaptive activities of initiation, triggering events and effector functions. In addition, the program supports research on host genetic factors and determinants that are involved in the pathogenesis and resolution of inflammation.
Systemic Diseases
Recent studies suggest an association between periodontal disease and the likelihood of delivering preterm, low-birth weight babies, developing cardiovascular disease, and having difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Some studies have also linked periodontal disease to respiratory infection in people with pulmonary problems. This program supports research on the association of oral diseases with systemic diseases.
Immunotherapy
The program supports research on the development of vaccines, adjuvants and biological modifiers that enhance and regulate the immune response to etiological agents. Vaccines to boost acquired as well as innate immunity to oral pathogens are important to the program. Similarly, the program also supports research on ways to suppress the destructive immune responses associated with host inflammatory reactions, as well as autoimmune and other immunopathogenic diseases.
Immunopathologies/Autoimmunity
Research on oral autoimmune conditions, such as pemphigus and Sjogren's syndrome, is an important part of the program. Such autoimmune diseases compromise the function of the mouth and can lead to increased dental caries, candidiasis and other oral infections. A goal of the program is to elucidate the central immunological, cellular, and genetic factors associated with autoimmunity and immunopathologies.
Host Susceptibility to Infections
This program supports research on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the relationship between microbial pathogenesis and host susceptibility to infection. In addition, the program supports research on host genetic determinants and the biological basis of susceptibility to infection.
Future Directions
Areas of specific need:
- Biofilms
- Immunological recognition of and tolerance to commensal flora
- Improved animal and in vitro models of oral infectious/autoimmune diseases
- Biomarkers
- Enhancement of immune response to oral pathogens
- Molecular and cellular immunobiology
- Systems biology
- Genomics
- Proteomics
- Integrative approaches incorporating data from high throughput or large-scale measurement technologies
Additional Information
For further information about the NIDCR Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, please contact:
R. Dwayne Lunsford, Ph.D.
Acting Director, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program
Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases Branch-DER
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
6701 Democracy Blvd., Rm. 626
Bethesda, MD 20892-4878
(20817 for express deliveries)
Telephone: (301) 594-2421
Fax: (301) 480-8319
E-mail: lunsfordr@nidcr.nih.gov