Indigenous Microflora and Innate Immunity of the Head and Neck

Metagenomic detection of phage-encoded platelet-binding factors in the human oral cavity

“…Free phage would be enriched in the chloroformed sample due to the release of intracellular phage from host cells as described above. Streptococci are among the first bacteria to colonize the oral cavity and remain in the mouth and oropharynx at high population densities throughout an individual's life (2,5). Lactobacilli and other lactic acid bacteria are also common constituents of the normal oral flora, but are present at lower abundances, as reflected by the lower abundances of their phage in the oropharyngeal viral communities (2, 5).…”

“…Microbiota can be trapped in the mucosa before adherence, inhibited by chemicals in saliva such as lactoferrin, or cleared by the host immune system (2, 33). Additionally, normal flora prevent the adherence and growth of transient microbiota by producing bacteriocins and manipulating the pH of oral microenvironments (2,33).…”

“…The oropharynx serves as a niche for commensal bacteria, some of which (e.g., Streptococcus and Neisseria spp.) can be pathogenic when introduced into other body sites (1)(2)(3). In healthy individuals, these normal flora prevent colonization by invading organisms by changing the local pH, by producing bacteriocins, and by providing a mechanical barrier that prevents adherence to mucosal surfaces (2,4,5).…”

“…can be pathogenic when introduced into other body sites (1)(2)(3). In healthy individuals, these normal flora prevent colonization by invading organisms by changing the local pH, by producing bacteriocins, and by providing a mechanical barrier that prevents adherence to mucosal surfaces (2,4,5). The oropharynx is also a reservoir for several viruses, including HIV, as well as for papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr virus, which are associated with oropharyngeal carcinomas (6)(7)(8)(9).…”

Oral epithelial barrier function and the role of nuclear factor kappa-? pathway in the pathogenesis of aphthous ulceration

“…The presence of ulceration and the relatively long period of regeneration suggest involvement of adaptive immunity. Mucosal injury due to a similar barrier function deficiency has been shown in other parts of the body such as the eyes, skin, airAphthous ulceration and epithelial barrier function 509 ways, and intestines (7)(8)(9)(10). Inflammatory bowel diseases are prototypes of this type injury, and they have been better studied (8,11,12).…”