UB dental professor receives $2.1 million NIH grant to investigate immune pathways in Sjögren’s disease
BUFFALO, N.Y.: In a significant step toward understanding and treating Sjögren’s disease, a debilitating autoimmune condition affecting over 4 million Americans, Prof. Dr. Jill M. Kramer, DDS, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Dental Medicine, has received a $2.1 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The five-year study focuses on MyD88, a critical molecule in the immune system that helps cells respond to inflammatory triggers. Kramer and her team aim to uncover how toll-like receptors (TLRs) — particularly TLR7 and TLR9 — activate MyD88 and contribute to Sjögren’s progression.
“There are no FDA-approved drugs that prevent or reverse salivary gland damage in Sjögren’s,” said Dr. Kramer. “Our goal is to identify key inflammatory pathways so we can develop targeted therapies that preserve quality of life.”
From lab discovery to potential therapies
In earlier research, Kramer’s team removed MyD88 in mice prone to Sjögren’s, completely preventing dry mouth symptoms and organ inflammation — though the mice developed other serious illnesses. This finding suggests that while blocking MyD88 entirely may not be viable, understanding its precise molecular actions could lead to safer, targeted treatments.
The research also highlights sex-based differences in immune responses. In mouse models, female mice without TLR7 showed less severe disease, while male mice became sicker — raising questions about whether treatments should differ by sex.
Broader impact beyond Sjögren’s
Kramer’s work may also benefit patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as similar immune mechanisms are at play. Collaboration with UB colleague Rose-Anne Romano, PhD, and other researchers allows the team to study both animal models and human salivary tissues, collected in partnership with Erie County Medical Center’s Oral Oncology & Maxillofacial Prosthetics Division.
“As we understand more about molecular subtypes of Sjögren’s, we can move toward personalized treatments that target the right patients with the right therapy,” Kramer explained.
With this NIH funding, UB is positioned at the forefront of autoimmune disease research, offering hope for millions awaiting effective treatments.
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