COBRE Phase III Year 5 Pilot: Effect of Aging on Gingival Gamma-Delta T Cells

Although epidemiological data indicates that aging is a risk factor for periodontal disease, the cellular and molecular basis for this observation remains to be determined. Chronic inflammation a common denominator in aging-related diseases (including periodontal disease) involves quantitative and qualitative modifications of the immune system that lead to greater susceptibility to infections, neoplasia, autoimmune manifestations (Immunosenescence), and a progressive increase in the pro-inflammatory state (Inflammaging). In particular, evidence indicates that aging affects the number and function of ãäT cells in a tissue-specific manner; however, variations in the number and function of ãäT cells in gingival tissues with aging that could increase the risk for inflammation and periodontal disease remain unclear. In this collaborative pilot grant, we will blend the expertise in ãäT cells and chronic inflammation (Starr) with the expertise in oral immunity/periodontal disease (Gonzalez), to identify quantitative and qualitative variations in gingival ãäT cells associated with aging that could have an impact in oral immunoinflammatory responses, using a mouse model. The findings of these studies will provide the basis for a publication and the generation of preliminary data for an R01 grant proposal focused on identifying the mechanisms involved in aging-related ãäT cell gingival changes and their impact on oral inflammation, oral dysbiosis, and alveolar bone loss (i.e. periodontal disease).