Researchers have uncovered previously unknown changes in blood vessels that may explain why certain oral inflammatory diseases, such as peri-implantitis and rapidly advancing periodontitis, cause rapid tissue destruction. Using the Human Periodontal Atlas, the team identified increased levels of the inflammatory protein CD38 in blood vessel cells, suggesting a shared mechanism that could become a future drug target. The findings not only improve understanding of severe gum disease but also offer valuable insights into other inflammatory conditions, including cancer. Researchers now plan to expand their single-cell atlases across more than 20 diseases to identify common disease pathways and develop more targeted therapies.
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