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Interferon-gamma deficiency attenuates local P. gingivalis-induced inflammation
Y Houri-Haddad1, W A Soskolne, E Shai
1Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hadassah and Hebrew University Medical Centers, PO Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Journal of Dental Research
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) deficiency reduces local inflammation caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. This study shows reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte counts in IFN-γ deficient mice, indicating a protective role for IFN-γ in periodontal infection responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen in periodontal disease, triggering significant local inflammatory responses.
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a critical cytokine in modulating immune responses to bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IFN-γ in the local inflammatory response to P. gingivalis infection.
- To determine if IFN-γ deficiency alters the humoral immune response to P. gingivalis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized IFN-γ deficient (IFN-γ(-/-)) and wild-type (IFN-γ(+/+)) mice.
- Administered P. gingivalis to subcutaneous chambers in vivo and assessed leukocyte counts and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10).
- Restored IFN-γ gene locally in IFN-γ(-/-) mice and measured cytokine profiles; assessed anti-P. gingivalis IgG1 levels as a marker of Th2 response.
Main Results:
- IFN-γ deficiency significantly attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion by macrophages and reduced leukocyte infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β) in vivo.
- Local IFN-γ gene reconstitution in IFN-γ(-/-) mice increased TNF-α and decreased IL-10 levels.
- IFN-γ(-/-) mice exhibited higher anti-P. gingivalis IgG1 levels, suggesting a dominant Th2 response.
Conclusions:
- Absence of IFN-γ diminishes the local inflammatory response amplitude to P. gingivalis without compromising the humoral protective immunity.
- A Th2-dominant immune response may occur in IFN-γ deficient animals during P. gingivalis infection, as indicated by the elevated IgG1/IgG2a ratio.