Differential human Th22-lymphocyte response triggered by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Periodontology

Background:

• Different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes elicit varied T-helper cell responses.
• The roles of Th9 and Th22 lymphocytes in periodontitis pathogenesis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Th9 and Th22 lymphocyte responses to A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes.
• To explore the role of dendritic cells and T lymphocytes in these responses.

Main Methods:

• Dendritic cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes were co-cultured with A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes or LPS.
• Quantification of Th9/Th22 cytokines and transcription factors (Spi-B, AhR) using qPCR and ELISA.

Main Results:

• A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b stimulation yielded higher IL-6 and TNF-α in dendritic cells.
• Serotype b also induced greater IL-22 and AhR levels in T lymphocytes compared to other serotypes.

Conclusions:

• A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b demonstrates a heightened capacity to induce Th22 immune responses.
• Th22 polarization may be a factor in periodontal lesions colonized by A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b.