Macrophages immunomodulation induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis and oral antimicrobial peptides

Abstract

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen associated with periodontitis development, a chronic inflammatory pathology characterized by the destruction of the supporting teeth structure. Macrophages are recruited cells in the inflammatory infiltrate from patients with periodontitis. They are activated by the P. gingivalis virulence factors arsenal, promoting an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), prostaglandins, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that foster the tissular destruction characteristic of periodontitis. Furthermore, P. gingivalis suppresses the generation of nitric oxide, a potent antimicrobial molecule, through its degradation, and incorporating its byproducts as a source of energy. Oral antimicrobial peptides can contribute to controlling the disease due to their antimicrobial and immunoregulatory activity, which allows them to maintain homeostasis in the oral cavity. This study aimed to analyze the immunopathological role of macrophages activated by P. gingivalis in periodontitis and suggested using antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents to treat the disease.

Advances in antimicrobial hydrogels for dental tissue engineering: regenerative strategies for endodontics and periodontics

“…Human saliva contains proteins including antimicrobial peptides as a defense mechanism against Porphyromonas gingivalis and a regulatory factor regarding the inflammatory process. 137 Hence, natural host defense peptides could be undoubtedly counted as one of the most suitable raw materials to develop biocompatible and antimicrobial hydrogels for periodontics.…”