Feres Laboratory
Feres Laboratory
The Feres Lab explores the oral microbiome as a window into systemic health—from periodontitis to cancer. Integrating decades of clinical microbiology with advanced multiomics and machine learning, the lab investigates how imbalances in the oral ecosystem contribute to both local and systemic disease and then translates those insights into improved diagnostics, therapies, and prevention strategies.
Research focus
From the mouth to the rest of the body
The mouth is far more than a dental organ. It is one of the most microbially dense environments in the human body, biologically connected to the gut, the immune system, and distant tissues. Disruptions in the oral microbiome are linked not only to periodontitis and tooth loss, but increasingly to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
The Feres Lab is at the forefront of uncovering these connections. Our work spans the clinical microbiology of periodontal disease to the emerging biology of the oral–gut–cancer axis, integrating large-scale microbiome datasets, advanced sequencing, and artificial intelligence to address questions with direct clinical relevance.
Our long-term vision is to translate these discoveries into clinically actionable tools—from microbiome-based risk models to simple, noninvasive tests for early disease detection—bringing the promise of precision prevention to patients across oral and systemic health.
Research areas
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting nearly half of adults worldwide and a leading cause of tooth loss. It is increasingly linked to systemic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
What we do
Clinical trials and therapeutic innovation
We conduct randomized clinical trials evaluating adjunctive therapies—including systemic antibiotics, immunomodulators, probiotics, and novel local drug delivery systems—with a focus on how treatment reshapes the subgingival microbiome and systemic inflammation.
Current and recent work
- Fermiano D, de Souza Oliveira E, Mestnik MJ, et al. Does timing of systemic antibiotics influence periodontal treatment outcomes? A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Periodontology. Published online February 7, 2026.
- Feres M, Retamal-Valdes B, Mestnik MJ, et al. The ideal time of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin administration in the treatment of severe periodontitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2018.
Innovation
Targeted drug delivery
In collaboration with the Mitragotri Lab at the Wyss Institute, we are developing nanoparticle-based platforms for targeted biofilm disruption and controlled subgingival drug release while minimizing systemic exposure.
We investigate how oral pathogens contribute to colorectal, esophageal-gastric, and head and neck cancers through the oral–gut microbiome axis.
What we do
Translational microbiome research at scale
In collaboration with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Albert Einstein Hospital (São Paulo), we analyze large-scale, multi-site datasets to understand disease mechanisms and progression.
- 10,000+ curated oral biofilm samples
- Matched oral, stool, and tumor samples from colorectal cancer patients
Focus
Predictive modeling across the oral–gut axis
We are developing microbiome foundation models to predict disease risk, progression, and treatment response.
We apply artificial intelligence to translate complex biological data into clinically actionable insights.
What we do
AI-driven prediction and diagnostics
- Predictive modeling of periodontal treatment outcomes
- Computer vision for periodontal stability assessment
- Microbiome-based disease prediction models
Recent work
Feher B, de Souza Oliveira EH, Duarte PM, et al. Machine learning-assisted prediction of clinical responses to periodontal treatment. Journal of Periodontology. 2025.
Feher B, Werdich AA, Chen CY, et al. Estimating periodontal stability using computer vision. J Dent Res. 2025.
Innovation
- AI for dental training: We are developing simulation tools for dental education (Dean’s Innovation Award, Harvard Medical School).
- Collaboration: Work is conducted in partnership with the Feher Lab and the HMS Department of Biomedical Informatics.
In the news
Research shows that the timing of antibiotics matters when treating gum disease
A first-of-its-kind clinical trial shows that administering antibiotics before periodontal treatment may better stabilize beneficial bacteria and support long-term oral health
Exploring how AI can enhance dental education
Dr. Magda Feres appointed as chair of HSDM’s Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity
HSDM and University of São Paulo Schools of Dentistry strengthen research ties
Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the University of São Paulo agree to advance research and student training opportunities in dental medicine and oral science.
Principal investigator
Magda Feres
Magda_Feres@hsdm.harvard.eduDr. Magda Feres is an internationally recognized scholar in periodontology and currently serves as chair of the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity (OMII) at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM).
