NYMC Faculty Publications

Immunization Enhances Inflammation and Tissue Destruction in Response to Porphyromonas Gingivalis

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Additional Author Affiliation

Touro College of Dental Medicine at NYMC

DOI

10.1128/IAI.74.4.2286-2292.2006

Journal Title

Infection and Immunity

First Page

2286

Last Page

2292

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2006

Department

Pharmacology

Abstract

It is well established that host-bacterium interactions play a critical role in the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases. By the use of inhibitors, it has been shown that mediators associated with the innate immune response significantly contribute to the disease process. Less is known regarding the role of the acquired immune response. To investigate mechanisms by which the acquired immune response to Porphyromonas gingivalis could affect connective tissue, we used a well-documented calvarial model to study host-bacterium interactions. Injection of P. gingivalis stimulated gamma interferon, interleukin 6, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 expression as determined by real-time PCR. Prior immunization against P. gingivalis significantly enhanced the mRNA levels of these cytokines and chemokines. Similarly, immunization significantly increased and prolonged the formation of a polymorphonuclear leukocyte and mononuclear cell infiltrate (P < 0.05). In addition, the area of connective tissue destruction, osteoclastogenesis, bone loss, mRNA expression of proapoptotic genes, and degree of fibroblast apoptosis were increased in immunized mice (P < 0.05). These results indicate that activation of the acquired immunity by P. gingivalis increases the inflammatory and destructive responses which occur in part through up-regulating the innate immune response and enhancing osteoclastogenesis and fibroblast apoptosis.

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