Pyroptosis: A major trigger of excessive immune response in the gingiva

Area of Science:

• Oral biology
• Immunology
• Cellular pathology

Background:

• The gingival mucosal barrier is vital for oral health, preventing pathogen invasion.
• Pathogen invasion triggers cytokine release, including pyroptosis, which exacerbates inflammation and tissue destruction.
• The precise mechanisms of pyroptosis and its immune consequences in the gingiva are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding pyroptosis in the gingival barrier.
• To elucidate the role of pyroptosis in inflammation-induced hyperimmunity.
• To explore the relationship between pyroptosis, systemic diseases, and cell death pathways.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of articles, reviews, and clinical studies published up to March 2024.
• Synthesis of current research on gingival pyroptosis and immune responses.

Main Results:

• Summarized the functions of gingival barrier cells.
• Described progress in gingival epithelial cell and fibroblast pyroptosis research.
• Discussed pyroptosis's link to systemic diseases and other cell death systems.

Conclusions:

• Pyroptosis triggers inflammatory immune responses contributing to various diseases.
• Further investigation into pyroptosis molecular mechanisms and immune responses is essential.
• Understanding pyroptosis is critical for developing therapeutic strategies.