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Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae stimulate production of thymocyte-activating factor by human gingival fibroblasts
S Hanazawa1, K Hirose, Y Ohmori
1Department of Oral Microbiology, Josai Dental University, Saitama, Japan.
Abstract:
In a previous report (Y. Ohmori, S. Hanazawa, S. Amano, T. Miyoshi, K. Hirose, and S. Kitano, infect. Immun. 55:947-954, 1987), we showed that human gingival fibroblasts spontaneously produce thymocyte-activating factor (FTAF), which stimulates mitogen-induced thymocyte proliferation. In the present study, we examined the effect of Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae on FTAF production by the cells, because the fimbriae may be involved in attachment of the organism to periodontal tissues. We show here that the fimbriae bind to the cells, which may subsequently lead to the stimulation of FTAF production by the cells.
Insights
Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae bind to human gingival fibroblasts, stimulating the production of thymocyte-activating factor (FTAF). This interaction may play a role in periodontal tissue attachment and immune response.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Immunology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Human gingival fibroblasts produce thymocyte-activating factor (FTAF), a substance that stimulates thymocyte proliferation.
- Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae are implicated in the attachment of this bacterium to periodontal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae on FTAF production by human gingival fibroblasts.
- To understand the role of fimbriae-cell interaction in the context of periodontal disease.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of human gingival fibroblasts with purified Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae.
- Measurement of FTAF production by the fibroblasts.
- Assessment of fimbriae binding to the fibroblast cell surface.
Main Results:
- Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae were observed to bind to human gingival fibroblasts.
- This binding event led to a significant stimulation of FTAF production by the cells.
- FTAF production was enhanced following the interaction between fimbriae and fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Bacteroides gingivalis fimbriae can directly stimulate human gingival fibroblasts to produce FTAF.
- The binding of fimbriae to gingival fibroblasts is a key event in initiating this immune response.
- These findings suggest a mechanism by which Bacteroides gingivalis may contribute to inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues.