Sima Laboratory

© 

Principal Investigator 




Corneliu Sima DMD MSc DSc


Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Assistant Professor of  Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity

Associate Periodontist and Implant Surgeon


Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Harvard Medical School 

Intro

My research includes basic science investigations into inflammatory pathogenesis of diabetes and periodontitis, and translational approaches to high-resolution diagnostics and phagocyte-targeted therapeutics for non-resolving local and systemic inflammation. 

The lab focuses on neutrophil, monocyte and macrophage markers that can predict the onset of periodontitis and insulin resistance, and provide targets for immune modulation therapeutics to resolve inflammation. 

We further aim to advance precision medicine by mapping resolution capacity and integrating patient data through artificial intelligence.

Resolution of Inflammation 

Resolution of inflammation is an active and coordinated process necessary for structural and functional rehabilitation of inflamed tissues.   Resolution is achieved by removal of neutrophils and pro-inflammatory stimuli from the tissues, and the return to basal levels of mononuclear immune cells (macrophages, lymphocytes).  

This process is orchestrated by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from Ω-3 and Ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).  

Steady State

Blood Vessel

Patrolling

Monocyte 

Inflammation

Neutrophil

Inflammatory

Monocyte 

Resolution

Patrolling

Monocyte 

Endothelium

Tissue

Resident

Macrophage 

Resident

Lymphocyte 

Inflammatory

Macrophage 

Pathogens & Altered Self 

Effector 

Lymphocyte 

SPMs

Apoptotic 

Neutrophil 

Removal

Resolving

Macrophage 

Inflammation and Resolution Restore Body Homeostasis

© C Sima

Chronic conditions such as periodontitis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are associated with altered resolution programs and sustained inflammation in periodontal tissues, central metabolic organs and arterial walls.  

We investigate means to diagnose and therapeutically address the lost ability to resolve inflammation in a personalized manner. 

Publications

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH)

Copyright © 2020 Corneliu Sima

All rights reserved.