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Toll-like receptor 2 expression in refractory periapical lesions
S V Desai1, R M Love, A M Rich
1Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
International Endodontic Journal
|May 14, 2011
Summary
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is expressed in refractory periapical lesions. Symptomatic periapical granulomas show higher TLR2 expression, suggesting immune system involvement in lesion maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Periapical lesions are inflammatory responses to bacterial infection.
- The role of immune receptors like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in periapical disease pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in different types of refractory periapical lesions.
- To correlate TLR2 expression with specific cell types and clinical characteristics of these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for TLR2, CD3 (T cells), and CD19 (B cells) was performed on biopsies of asymptomatic periapical granuloma, symptomatic periapical granuloma, and periapical cysts.
- TLR2 expression was quantified by counting positive cells.
Main Results:
- Mononuclear inflammatory cells within the lesions expressed TLR2.
- T cells (CD3+) were more prevalent in periapical granulomas, while B cells (CD19+) were more numerous in periapical cysts.
- Significantly higher TLR2 expression was observed in symptomatic periapical granulomas compared to asymptomatic ones and periapical cysts.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate that TLR2 is present in refractory periapical lesions.
- The elevated TLR2 expression in symptomatic lesions suggests a role for the immune system, potentially in response to bacterial antigens, in sustaining these lesions.
