Gum-on-a-Chip Exploring Host-Microbe Interactions: Periodontal Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery

Periodontal disease is a pervasive and serious health issue, affecting millions globally and leading to severe oral and systemic health complications. This underscores the urgent need to thoroughly understand the complex host-microbe interactions involved. Developing models that allow crosstalk among various bacteria, periodontal component cells, and circulating immune cells is crucial for investigating periodontal disease and discovering new treatments. This study aimed to develop a biomimetic gum tissue model. Within four days, a bio-fabricated tissue with well-established barrier and immune functions was created. In this model, the key periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, was observed to suppress the recruitment and migration of immune cells and dysregulate CD14 expression in THP-1 cells, leading to significant inflammation and tissue damage. Conversely, the probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila enhanced the host's defensive immune response, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent in periodontal disease.