In situ activated T lymphocytes in active versus stable periodontal lesions^†

Abstract

A double labeling technique was developed to detect T cell phenotype and HLA‐DR (activation) antigens on infiltrating cells in gingival biopsy sites classified as either periodontally active (≥ mm attachment loss within past 3 months), clinically similar but stable, or healthy. Serial cryostat sections were obtained from each of the above disease category biopsies in 13 periodontal maintenance patients, and were processed with sequential Leu series (T cell subsets) avidinbiotin‐peroxidase followed by anti‐HLA‐DR indirect alkaline phosphatase labeling protocols. Labeled cells were counted in repeatable fields in the sulcular, middle and oral thirds of each section, and HLA‐DR+ T cells (activated) were calculated. Total HLA‐DR‐labeled cells and HLA‐DR‐positive pan‐T cells and T helper cells (Th) were all more numerous in active specimens than in healthy sites (p<0.05), and in sulcular fields than in the oral third of the section (p<0.05). Although activated T suppressor cell (T5) densities did not vary statistically according to tissue location, active biopsies had more cells per field than either stable or healthy specimens (p<0.05), especially in the sulcular third. A majority of pan‐T, Ts and Th cells appeared to display activation markers in active, stable and healthy biopsies. This study supports the functional role of T lymphocytes in modulating the immune response in periodontal tissues.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Gingipains: The Molecular Teeth of a Microbial Vampire

“…Furthermore, human T-cells displayed a reduced ability to proliferate to mitogenic stimulation after incubation with the RgpA-Kgp complex [101]. This wholesale degradation of Tcell receptors would impair T-helper and cytotoxic T-cell function at the site of infection and the number of these cells in diseased gingival tissue of periodontitis patients has been reported to be depressed [102][103][104]. Further dysregulation of the T-cell immune response by RgpA and Kgp has been suggested by Yun et al [105].…”

Immunohistological analysis of T cell functional subsets in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease

“…which are synthesized following antigenic stimulation [9]. Phenotypic analysis of T cells in periodontitis-affected tissues has demonstrated up-regulation ofthe lL-2 receptor [13] and HLA-DR [14]. a shift of CD4 and CDS populations [4.5].…”

The role of histopathology in the diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal diseases

“…The histological appearance which equates to these periods of 'active' disease in man can only be surmised. The only study attempting to quantify the functional cell types immunohistochemically during identified periods of disease activity (Reinhardt et al 1988) fails to estabhsh any clear pattern of change in T-cell types or activity amongst healthy tissue, stable lesions and active lesions and the authors do not address the fate of B-cells at all in this rigorously assessed study designed to look at T-cell kinetics. In fact, as Reinhardt hypothesises, disease activity may be reflected not in a shift of cell populations but in a switching on or switching off of cells already resident in the lesion.…”