The impact of arthritogenic viruses in oral tissues

Arthritis and periodontitis are inflammatory diseases that share several immunopathogenic features. The expansion in the study of virus-induced arthritis has shed light on how this condition could impact other parts of the human body, including the mouth. Viral arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease caused by several viruses, most notably the alphaviruses Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Sindbis virus (SINV), Ross River virus (RRV), Mayaro virus (MAYV), and O'nyong'nyong virus (ONNV). These viruses can induce an upsurge of matrix metalloproteinases and immune-inflammatory mediators such as Interleukin-6 (IL6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, chemokine ligand 2, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand in the joint and serum of infected individuals. This can lead to the influx of inflammatory cells to the joints and associated muscles as well as osteoclast activation and differentiation, culminating in clinical signs of swelling, pain, and bone resorption. Moreover, several data indicate that these viral infections can affect other sites of the body, including the mouth. The human oral cavity is a rich and diverse microbial ecosystem, and viral infection can disrupt the balance of microbial species, causing local dysbiosis. Such events can result in oral mucosal damage and gingival bleeding, which are indicative of periodontitis. Additionally, infection by RRV, CHIKV, SINV, MAYV, or ONNV can trigger the formation of osteoclasts and upregulate pro-osteoclastogenic inflammatory mediators, interfering with osteoclast activation. As a result, these viruses may be linked to systemic conditions, including oral manifestations. Therefore, this review focuses on the involvement of alphavirus infections in joint and oral health, acting as potential agents associated with oral mucosal inflammation and alveolar bone loss. The findings of this review demonstrate how alphavirus infections could be linked to the comorbidity between arthritis and periodontitis and may provide a better understanding of potential therapeutic management for both conditions.