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Filifactor alocis interactions with gingival epithelial cells
Author(s) -
Moffatt C.E.,
Whitmore S.E.,
Griffen A.L.,
Leys E.J.,
Lamont R.J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
molecular oral microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 2041-1014
pISSN - 2041-1006
DOI - 10.1111/j.2041-1014.2011.00624.x
Subject(s) - tumor necrosis factor alpha , apoptosis , secretion , interleukin , caspase , kinase , immunology , biology , cancer research , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , cytokine , programmed cell death , endocrinology , biochemistry
Summary An association between the gram‐positive anaerobe Filifactor alocis and periodontal disease has recently emerged; however, possible pathogenic mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study we examined the responses of primary cultures of gingival epithelial cells (GECs) to infection with F. alocis . Secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α from GECs was stimulated by F. alocis infection. F. alocis also induced apoptosis in GECs through pathways that involved caspase‐3 but not caspase‐9. Apoptosis was coincident with inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) activation. These results show that F. alocis has characteristics in common with established periodontal pathogens and has the potential to contribute to periodontal tissue destruction.