Dendritic cells and their relation to apical peridontitis

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript was to re-discuss apical periodontitis, apical biofilm, and its possible relationship with dendritic cells (DC). DCs are potent regulators of the immune system and their function is divided into three categories that involve the presentation of antigens: the presentation of antigens and activation of T cells; a not well established category suggested that DCs induce and maintain immunological tolerance; and the maintenance of the immune memory in conjunction with B cells. DCs in periapical inflammatory lesions are composed of at least two subpopulations that can be distinguished on the basis of ultrastructure and phenotype. These populations might differ in lineage, state of maturation, differentiation, activation, and/or function. The authors hereby analyzed the root apexes of teeth under SEM, after performing apicoectomy due to the failure of conventional endodontic treatment. Microbial biofilm with multispecies and areas of resorption with the presence of Howship lacunae, and images suggestive of denditric cells could be observed. The presence of DCs in periapical lesion could be an indication of the severity of the lesion, with a constant presence of antigen in the periradicular region.

Enterococcus faecalis Induces Differentiation of Immune-Aberrant Dendritic Cells from Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells

“…The aforementioned events do not occur when fully differentiated DCs are exposed to E. faecalis. Although other innate immune cells such as macrophages or B lymphocytes also serve as antigen-presenting cells, we focused on DCs because of their key role in active patrol of the oral mucosa for microbes (20)(21)(22)(23)(24) and relation of DCs to the severity of periapical lesions after infected teeth undergo necrosis (15). Dendritic cells are highly migratory and are the only antigen-presenting cells capable of activating naive T cells (25).…”

“…Disruption of autophagy in DCs is a critical survival tactic and virulence factor of the "keystone" oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (13,14). Dendritic cells infiltrate periapical infections and are involved in the T cell response (15). Downstream of autophagy in DCs are key proteins that are required to fight infection (16) and for supporting antigen-specific T cell proliferation, including expression of costimulatory molecules and inflammatory cytokines.…”

Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Periodontitis: Progress and Perspectives

“…DCs act as a bridge for innate and adaptive immune responses (122). The presence of DCs in periodontitis may be a sign of the severity of the lesion (123). Activated in periodontitis by the protein kinase B (AKT)/Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) axis, DCs play both protective and destructive roles through activation of the acquired immune response (124,125).…”

Genetic, Cellular and Molecular Aspects involved in Apical Periodontitis

“…Considering that, AP is a multifactorial disease (24) from the polymicrobial origin and represents a localized immunoinflammatory response, characterized by the presence of a mixed inflammatory infiltrate (25)(26)(27)(28)(29), the investigation of the interaction between molecular signals, genetic influence and clinical signs of AP is a promisor topic of research.…”