Researchers at the University of Texas Health (UT Health) Houston School of Dentistry will develop a platform to improve current treatments for periodontal disease and oral cancer.
Dr. Chun-Teh Lee, DMSc, and Dr. Simon Young, PhD, are developing a novel microcytokine factory platform to improve treatment. Cytokines, which help regulate immune responses, are being explored for their ability to either suppress inflammation in periodontal disease or enhance the immune response in oral cancer.
Associate professors Drs. Chun-Teh Lee, DMSc, MS (right), and Simon Young, PhD, (left) are investigating a novel microcytokine factory platform for the treatment of periodontal disease and oral cancer. Image and caption courtesy of Kyle Rogers/UT Health Houston.
For periodontal disease, Lee's project involves engineering Limosilactobacillus reuteri bacteria to secrete interleukin 10, aiming to reduce inflammation and support tissue healing. Young's project, which targets oral cancer, will use interleukin-12 delivery after tumor resection to strengthen antitumor immunity.
Lee and Young are collaborating with Rice University's Omid Veiseh, PhD, for expertise in biomaterials, and Jeffrey Tabor, PhD, for bacterial programming. The research, which is being funded by nearly $1 million from the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, will conclude in September 2026.
