Open AccessPorphyromonas gingivalis induces its uptake by human macrophages and promotes foam cell formation in vitro
Author(s) -
Giacona Mary Beth,
Papapanou Panos N.,
Lamster Ira B.,
Rong Ling Ling,
D'Agati Vivette D.,
Schmidt Ann Marie,
Lalla Evanthia
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsle.2004.10.009
Subject(s) - porphyromonas gingivalis , foam cell , fimbria , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteroidaceae , in vitro , cell , macrophage , chemistry , strain (injury) , periodontal pathogen , monocyte , biology , bacteria , immunology , virulence , biochemistry , genetics , anatomy , gene
Porphyromonas gingivalis is an etiologic agent of periodontal disease in humans, which has been linked to an increased risk for atherosclerosis‐related events. In this study, we examined the effect of P. gingivalis infection on human macrophages with respect to foam cell formation, the hallmark of early atherogenesis, and the potential of P. gingivalis to induce its uptake by these cells. Human monocyte‐derived macrophages were incubated with low density lipoprotein and infected with P. gingivalis FDC381 or its fimbriae deficient mutant, DPG3. Consistent with a role for fimbriae in this process, strain 381 significantly increased foam cell formation as compared to DPG3. Recovery of viable P. gingivalis in antibiotic protection experiments was significantly higher for strain 381 than for DPG3. By transmission electron microscopy, the wild‐type strain was shown to adhere to and enter THP‐1 cells. These results suggest that properties of P. gingivalis which render it capable of adhering to/invading other cell types may also be operative in macrophages and play an important role in its atherogenic potential.