Periodontal research

The mucosal immune system, host-pathogen interaction and periodontal biomarkers

The focus of my research are the microbial and immunological aspects of periodontal diseases, host-pathogen interactions, TLR receptors signalling pathways and the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. I am particularly interested in clinical implications of bacterial LPS modification mechanisms (lipid-A, sialylation) and in innate immune responses to these LPSs.

Currently, we are working on the induction of oral mucosal endotoxin tolerance and on the mechanisms for control and resolution of inflammation. We are also developing and evaluating lipid-A based biomarkers for personalised, point-of-care periodontal therapy.

Publications
Patent pending

Zaric SS, Lappin MJ, Fulton CR, Lundy FT, Coulter WA & Irwin CR 2017 'Sialylation of Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS and its effect on bacterial-host interactions' Innate Immun

Zaric S, Bojic B, Popovic B & Milasin J 2015 'Eradication of gastric Helicobacter pylori ameliorates halitosis and tongue coating' J Contemp Dent Pract 16, (3) 205-209

Lappin MJ, Brown V, Zaric SS, Lundy FT, Coulter WA & Irwin CR 2015 'Interferon-γ stimulates CD14, TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in gingival fibroblasts increasing responsiveness to bacterial challenge' Arch Oral Biol (Volume 61; 36-43) 36-43

Zaric SS, Coulter WA, Shelburne CE, Fulton CR, Zaric MS, Scott A, Lappin MJ, Fitzgerald DC, Irwin CR & Taggart CC 2011 'Altered Toll-like receptor 2-mediated endotoxin tolerance is related to diminished interferon beta production' J Biol Chem 286, (34) 29492-29500

Zaric S, Shelburne C, Darveau R, Quinn DJ, Weldon S, Taggart CC & Coulter WA 2010 'Impaired immune tolerance to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide promotes neutrophil migration and decreased apoptosis' Infect Immun 78, (10) 4151-4156 Author Site, DOI PEARL

Zaric S, Bojic B, Jankovic L, Dapcevic B, Popovic B, Cakic S & Milasin J 2009 'Periodontal therapy improves gastric Helicobacter pylori eradication' J Dent Res 88, (10) 946-950 Author Site, DOI