Interaction Between Immune Cells and Bacteria Associated With Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a prevalent, multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the interaction between microorganisms organized in biofilms on tooth surfaces and host immune cells, leading to an inflammatory destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues and - if left untreated - eventually tooth loss. Periodontitis affects up to 50% of the population in the United States of America, and is classified in an aggressive and a chronic form depending on genetic factors, age of onset, speed and severity of attachment loss.

The onset of periodontitis is caused by an immunologic imbalance between host immune cells and residing microorganisms in subgingival pockets. The host immune cells are capable of enhancing both a protective and a destructive inflammatory response towards the microorganisms through the release of inflammatory mediators e.i. proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines.

The role of antibodies in periodontitis is also unclear. Some studies show an excessive antibody level against bacteria associated with periodontitis e.g. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.).

In general, this study contributes to a profound understanding of the host immune cells role in the onset and pathogenesis of periodontitis by comparing healthy versus diseased donors immunologic responses toward pathogene and apathogene microorganisms and their genetic background.