Cellular and soluble mediator components of the local immune response to dental plaque

The host immune response to dental plaque products leads to altered levels of activity by several types of cells involved in host defence. Cells of the periodontium which contribute to the supporting tissues of the teeth may be directly damaged by cellular attack, or their activity may be modulated by a range of soluble mediators released by host immune cells. These changes contribute to the modification of the tooth-supporting tissue which is seen in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease.