Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota

Abstract

The oral cavity is inhabited by a wide spectrum of microbial species, and their colonization is mostly based on commensalism. These microbes are part of the normal oral flora, but there are also opportunistic species that can cause oral and systemic diseases. Although there is a strong exposure to various microorganisms, the oral mucosa reduces the colonization of microorganisms with high rotation and secretion of various types of cytokines and antimicrobial proteins such as defensins. In some circumstances, the imbalance between normal oral flora and pathogenic flora may lead to a change in the ratio of commensalism to parasitism. Healthy oral mucosa has many important functions. Thanks to its integrity, it is impermeable to most microorganisms and constitutes a mechanical barrier against their penetration into tissues. Our study aims to present the role and composition of the oral cavity microbiota as well as defense mechanisms within the oral mucosa which allow for maintaining a balance between such numerous species of microorganisms. We highlight the specific aspects of the oral mucosa protecting barrier and discuss up-to-date information on the immune cell system that ensures microbiota balance. This study presents the latest data on specific tissue stimuli in the regulation of the immune system with particular emphasis on the resistance of the gingival barrier. Despite advances in understanding the mechanisms regulating the balance on the microorganism/host axis, more research is still needed on how the combination of these diverse signals is involved in the regulation of immunity at the oral mucosa barrier.

Host’s Immunity and Candida Species Associated with Denture Stomatitis: A Narrative Review

“…The epithelial cells and immune cells residing in the tissues play the role of "alert" cells, since they react quickly following the detection of danger [86]. This danger triggers the activation of the cells, which then secrete inflammatory mediators (histamine, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, lipid derivatives), themselves responsible for activating endothelial cells and the initiation of the vascular phase of the inflammatory response [87] (Figure 4). bacteria influence the architecture and virulence characteristics of mucosal fungal biofilms.…”

Host mRNA Analysis of Periodontal Disease Patients Positive for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia

“…Prevotella , Fusobacterium , Porphyromonas , Treponema and Aggregatibacter genera were associated with periodontal disease in a recent review [ 7 ].…”

“…A comprehensive, recent review presents the roles of normal flora from the oral cavity, and mentions its function in oral mucosa homeostasis and in stimulating the immune system, especially in the case of periodontitis [ 7 ].…”

Impacts of Pesticides on Oral Cavity Health and Ecosystems: A Review

“…The oral cavity is a moist and warm surface with an area of approximately 0.22 m 2 . Homeostasis in the oral cavity depends on factors such as mucosal integrity, saliva, microbial balance, and its response to chemical exposure [ 27 , 28 ]. The oral mucosa is divided into (a) limiting mucosa, a non-keratinized epithelium in the lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, lower tongue area, and soft palate; (b) masticatory mucosa, which is mostly keratinized epithelium in gums and hard palate, and (c) specialized mucosa located in the dorsum of the tongue, lingual papillae, and gustatory corpuscles [ 29 ].…”