Fusobacterium nucleatum stimulates monocyte adhesion to and transmigration through endothelial cells

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is an important pathogen in periodontitis. Previous studies have demonstrated its ability to spread via haematogenesis and modulate host immune responses. However, little is known regarding its effect on endothelial cells (ECs) and leukocytes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of F. nucleatum on monocyte attachment and transmigration through ECs.

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human leukemic monocyte (THP-1) cells were infected with F. nucleatum and assessed for monocyte adhesion, transendothelial migration, and HUVEC proliferation/apoptosis. Real-time PCR, western blotting and ELISA were performed to assess the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokines in both cells.

F. nucleatum challenge significantly induced THP-1 cell adhesion and transmigration and markedly impaired cell proliferation and apoptosis in HUVECs. A parallel increase in vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin expression in HUVECs and an upregulation of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in both HUVECs and THP-1 cells were observed. The expression of nuclear factor-kappa B was also enhanced in HUVECs and THP-1 cells upon F. nucleatum infection.

F. nucleatum triggers an inflammatory response against infection in cells and promotes the recruitment and transmigration of monocytes through ECs.