Porphyromonas gingivalis induces RANKL in T-cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an oral pathogen highly implicated in chronic periodontitis, a disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of the tooth-supporting alveolar bone and eventually, tooth loss. T-cell innate immune responses are actively involved in this pathological process. Receptor activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL) is a cytokine that stimulates bone resorption, while its soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) blocks its action. This study aimed to investigate in Jurkat T-cells the effects of P. gingivalis on the RANKL-OPG system and the major inflammatory mediator of bone resorption prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). P. gingivalis caused concentration-dependent up-regulation of RANKL gene expression and protein production, assessed by quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. PGE(2) production was also enhanced. However, OPG was not detected. In conclusion, P. gingivalis induces RANKL and PGE(2) in T-cells, potentially favoring bone resorption. These T-cell responses to P. gingivalis may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory alveolar bone destruction occurring in chronic periodontitis.