Immune modulation of Prevotella intermedia colonization in squirrel monkeys
Related Experiment Videos
W B Clark1, I Magnusson, J E Beem
1Periodontal Disease Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Abstract:
Colonization of the gingival crevice by black-pigmented Porphyromonas or Prevotella spp. (BP/P), including Porphyromonas gingivalis (formerly Bacteroides gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (formerly Bacteroides intermedius), is thought to be an important ecological event which may result in the destruction of connective tissues supporting the teeth. Theoretically, periodontal diseases could be prevented if these or other periodontal pathogenic microorganisms did not colonize the subgingival area. The humoral immune response is one mechanism which may modulate bacterial colonization in the gingival crevice. In the present study, we tested the effect of systemic humoral immunity on subgingival colonization by indigenous P. intermedia in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Animals rendered essentially free of detectable BP/P by a single scaling, 10 days of tetracycline therapy, and toothbrushing three times per week were immunized with P. intermedia 1447 or were sham immunized with phosphate-buffered saline. Subsequently, all oral hygiene procedures were discontinued and five teeth in one quadrant were ligated with bacterium-soaked suture material to facilitate BP/P colonization. Immunization resulted in a significant increase in the level of immunoglobulin G anti-P. intermedia antibody in serum. Two weeks after ligation was initiated, P. intermedia could be detected in five of six sham-immunized and three of six immunized animals. Immunization was associated with a reduction in the emergence of indigenous P. intermedia in the gingival crevice.
Insights
Systemic humoral immunity, specifically antibodies against Prevotella intermedia, may help prevent periodontal disease by reducing bacterial colonization in the gingival crevice. This study shows immunization reduced P. intermedia emergence in monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Black-pigmented Porphyromonas or Prevotella spp. (BP/P) colonization in the gingival crevice is linked to periodontal disease.
- Periodontal diseases may be preventable by inhibiting the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms in the subgingival area.
- The humoral immune response can modulate bacterial colonization in the gingival crevice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of systemic humoral immunity on subgingival colonization by indigenous Prevotella intermedia.
- To determine if immunization against P. intermedia influences its emergence in the gingival crevice.
Main Methods:
- Squirrel monkeys were treated to eliminate detectable BP/P.
- Animals were immunized with P. intermedia or sham immunized.
- Teeth were ligated with bacterium-soaked sutures to promote BP/P colonization.
- Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-P. intermedia antibody levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Immunization led to a significant increase in serum IgG anti-P. intermedia antibody levels.
- P. intermedia was detected in fewer immunized animals compared to sham-immunized controls.
- Immunization was associated with a reduction in the emergence of indigenous P. intermedia in the gingival crevice.
Conclusions:
- Systemic humoral immunity may play a role in controlling subgingival colonization by P. intermedia.
- These findings suggest a potential immunotherapeutic strategy for preventing periodontal diseases.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of modulating humoral immunity against periodontal pathogens.