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Invasion strategies of the oral pathogen porphyromonas gingivalis: implications for cardiovascular disease
R G Deshpande1, M Khan, C A Genco
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract:
Microorganisms have evolved a variety of mechanisms designed to evade detection and/or destruction by the host. Many pathogens evade host defenses by invading cells, thus providing the bacterium with an environment free of competing microorganisms. Adherence and invasion are active processes in which microorganisms often use host proteins and enzymes to gain entry into the cell, thus stimulating their own uptake. The investigation of invasion by the periopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is in its infancy in comparison with that of the enteric pathogens. However, recent studies with P. gingivalis have revealed that these organisms have developed invasion strategies and mechanisms similar to those of the enteric pathogens for both epithelial and endothelial cells. The study and elucidation of the mechanisms by which microorganisms such as P. gingivalis persist in chronic infection will provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of P. gingivalis-mediated periodontal disease. The ability to multiply in and to activate endothelial cells may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms exerted by P. gingivalis that may explain the recently described association between this organism and cardiovascular disease.
Insights
Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, invades host cells using mechanisms similar to enteric pathogens. Understanding these invasion strategies is crucial for insights into periodontal and cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microorganisms employ diverse strategies to evade host defenses, often by invading host cells.
- Bacterial invasion provides a protected environment, facilitating pathogen survival and proliferation.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key periodontal pathogen, exhibits invasion capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the invasion mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis into host cells.
- To compare P. gingivalis invasion strategies with those of well-studied enteric pathogens.
- To elucidate the role of P. gingivalis invasion in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and its association with cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of invasion strategies between P. gingivalis and enteric pathogens.
- In vitro studies using epithelial and endothelial cell models.
- Investigation of host cell protein and enzyme involvement in bacterial adherence and invasion.
Main Results:
- P. gingivalis utilizes invasion strategies analogous to enteric pathogens for both epithelial and endothelial cells.
- The bacterium actively engages host cell machinery to facilitate its entry.
- Evidence suggests P. gingivalis can multiply within and activate endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- P. gingivalis invasion mechanisms are conserved with other pathogenic bacteria, highlighting a common theme in host-pathogen interactions.
- Understanding P. gingivalis invasion is critical for developing strategies against periodontal disease.
- The ability of P. gingivalis to interact with endothelial cells may link it to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.