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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Functional Haplotypes in Interleukin 4 Gene Associated with Periodontitis
Giovana Anovazzi1,2, Marcell Costa de Medeiros1, Suzane Cristina Pigossi1,2
1Department of Oral Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, UNESP- Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
Genetic variations in Interleukin 4 (IL-4) influence immune cell responses to chronic periodontitis (CP)-associated bacteria. The protective P-haplotype shows attenuated responses, while the susceptible S-haplotype exhibits heightened pro-inflammatory reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Periodontology
Background:
- Chronic periodontitis (CP) involves bacterial infection, immune responses, and genetic factors affecting tooth-supporting structures.
- Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a critical anti-inflammatory cytokine involved in periodontal tissue inflammation.
- Specific IL-4 gene genotypes (haplotypes) are linked to differential susceptibility or protection against CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional differences of IL-4 haplotypes in immune cells.
- To understand how IL-4 genetic variations regulate immune responses to periodontopathogens.
Main Methods:
- Collected peripheral blood from subjects with distinct IL-4 haplotypes (S-haplotype and P-haplotype).
- Challenged isolated immune cells with periodontopathogens in vitro.
- Analyzed gene expression (mRNA), protein secretion, and T helper cell immunophenotypes.
Main Results:
- P-haplotype immune cells showed higher IL-4 mRNA and protein levels, along with increased anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- S-haplotype immune cells produced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- S-haplotype was associated with Th1 polarization, while P-haplotype showed attenuated responses, skewing towards Th2/M2 phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- IL-4 genetic variations directly impact immune cell responses to periodontopathogens.
- These variations influence susceptibility to or protection against chronic periodontitis by modulating immune cell behavior.
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