Lymphocyte Function in Early‐Onset Periodontitis

Abstract

This is a limited review of recent research on the role of lymphocytes in earlyonset periodontitis (EOP). EOP lesions are histologically characterized by a dense infiltrate of lymphocytes. The role of lymphocytes in these lesions is unclear, but recent evidence suggests that there may be alterations in the regulatory events that govern immune responsiveness in EOP. These alterations might contribute to increased susceptibility to disease in certain individuals. Although there are no numerical abnormalities in the proportions of T cells, T‐cell subsets, or B cells in the peripheral blood of EOP subjects, there may be alterations in the T helper‐T suppressor ratio within the actual lesions, and these may affect local B‐cell proliferation and function. Antibody produced against the antigens of pathogenic bacteria in EOP has a prominent IgG2 component but is now believed to be primarily protective to the host. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from EOP patients have been reported to exhibit a reduced autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction, and a higher‐than‐normal response to B‐cell mitogens. Whether or not these phenomena are important in progression or resolution of EOP is unknown. Locally acting cytokines such as IL‐4 may be elevated, and this may influence the nature of the response. Use of molecular techniques to test possible relationships between susceptibility to EOP and the lymphocyte response, such as evaluation of MHC Class II and TCR gene usage, promises to provide further clues as to the role of lymphoid cells in, and genetic nature of, these forms of periodontitis. J Periodontol 1996;67:332–336.

The Fcγ Receptor Genotype as a Risk Factor for Generalized Early‐Onset Periodontitis in Japanese Patients

“…58 Although a role of peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes in EOP has been suggested, the relevance of these leukocytes for EOP remains unclear. 59 In this study, no significant association was observed between the FcγRIIIa-158V-F polymorphism and G-EOP. Nevertheless, we observed an association between G-EOP and the composite genotype comprising FcγRIIIb-NA2 plus FcγRIIIa-158F.…”

Heterogeneity of Host Immunological Risk Factors in Patients With Aggressive Periodontitis

“…9,10 In fact, the majority of previous studies have shown that alteration in the host defensive cell functions, immunological and immunogenetic characteristics, such as neutrophil and lymphocyte dysfunctions, aberrant cytokine production and specific HLA types, are associated with the pathogenesis of some, but not all, EOP patients. 5,[11][12][13][14][15] Previous studies showing a high prevalence of EOP in certain families, [16][17][18][19] twin studies, 20 and the linkage with specific HLA types [21][22][23] suggest that susceptibility to this disease is heritable and that certain genetic risk factors may be involved. 24 Therefore, we have hypothesized that the heterogeneous nature of EOP could be explained from various host risk factors.…”

Antibody responses against Porphyromonas gingivalis infection in patients with early‐onset periodontitis

“…onset and progression than adult periodontitis (AP) patients and then can be clinically differentiated from AP patients by the extent of destruction and age (Ranney 1993). The majority of previous studies on the pathogenesis of EOP implicate multiple potential host risk factors (Genco et al 1986, Kinane, et al 1989, Engel 1996. For example, altered antibody response against periodontal pathogens in EOP patients has been reported (Gun-solley et al 1987, Mooney et al 1993, Chen et al 1995.…”