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Akkermansia muciniphila Alleviates Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced Periodontal Disease by Enhancing Bacterial

Qin Hu1, Wai Keung Leung1, Aneesha Acharya1,2

  • 1Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins
|April 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Akkermansia muciniphila (Am) enhances immune defense against Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)-induced periodontal disease by modulating the TLR2-C5aR-MyD88 pathway. This suggests Am is a promising therapeutic option for periodontitis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Periodontology

Background:

  • Periodontal disease is a common inflammatory condition often caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg).
  • Akkermansia muciniphila (Am) is a gut bacterium with potential immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Am in enhancing immune defense against Pg-induced periodontal disease.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms of Am's beneficial effects on periodontal health.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were induced with periodontal disease using Pg and treated with or without Am.
  • Gingival microbiota was analyzed using 16S sequencing.
  • THP-1 derived macrophages were used to assess Am's effects on gene expression, cytokine production, and phagocytosis of Pg.

Main Results:

  • Am administration attenuated alveolar bone loss and reduced inflammation in a mouse model of periodontitis.
  • Microbiota analysis showed Am reduced bacterial load and altered periodontal microbial composition.
  • Am enhanced Pg phagocytosis by macrophages and modulated the TLR2-C5aR-MyD88 signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Akkermansia muciniphila enhances immune defense against Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontal disease.
  • Am modulates the TLR2-C5aR-MyD88 signaling pathway, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.
Keywords:
Akkermansia muciniphilaPorphyromonas gingivalisHost-microbe interactionPeriodontal diseaseTLR-MyD88

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