The periodontal war: microbes and immunity

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Immunology
• Periodontal disease

Background:

• Periodontal health relies on the balance between oral microbes and host immune responses.
• The oral cavity harbors a complex microbial ecology, including commensal and pathogenic species, forming biofilms.
• Recent research reveals microbial invasion of periodontal tissues, leading to inflammation and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the intricate interactions between the oral microbiome and host immune system in periodontium.
• To explore microbial survival strategies and their role in disease pathogenesis.
• To highlight gaps in understanding host-microbe dynamics in periodontitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of research on oral microbiome and host immune responses.
• Analysis of microbial survival strategies, including colonization, communication, and immune evasion.
• Examination of host immune armamentarium at cellular and molecular levels.

Main Results:

• The microbiome employs diverse strategies like invasion, communication, and immune sabotage for survival.
• Host immune responses are complex, involving cellular and molecular mechanisms.
• Disease exacerbation (periodontitis) results from microbial 'coup de main' and susceptible host factors.

Conclusions:

• Significant advancements have been made in understanding the host-microbiome war in periodontium.
• Gaps remain in fully elucidating the triggers of disease exacerbation and susceptible host characteristics.
• Further research using advanced tools and modeling is needed to understand homeostasis and disease dysregulation.