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Interrogating immunotherapy for dental pulp therapy and management

Year:
2020
Duration:
45 months
Approved budget:
$206,045.95
Researchers:
Associate Professor Haizal Hussaini
,
Dr Benedict Seo
,
Dr Shakila Rizwan
,
Assistant Professor Lara Friedlander
,
Chuen Yen Hong
Health issue:
Dental/oral
Proposal type:
Emerging Researcher First Grant
Lay summary
Dental caries is a prevalent chronic disease that affects one in three adults in New Zealand. Caries destroys tooth structure and will progress to dental pulp infections and pain. Pulp infection results in uncontrolled inflammation, which is detrimental to pulp regeneration and healing. Current therapy such as Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has reasonable success on pulp regeneration and healing but are subject to specific clinical conditions. The bioactive properties of MTA are chemically based. A new immunotherapeutic molecule, interleukin-23 (IL-23) has successfully treat systemic chronic inflammatory diseases by blocking a specific inflammation pathway. This project will explore the ability of IL-23 inhibitors in limiting pulp inflammation and promote pulp regenerative process. The safe dose and affectiveness of IL-23 on pulp inflammation and regeneration will be investigated in cell culture and rodent models. The success of this medicament will improve current therapeutic management, avoiding tooth loss and expensive dental procedures.