Exploring the oral bacteria-oral lichen planus connection: mechanisms, clinical implications and future directions

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a prevalent T-cell mediated inflammatory-immune disease with uncertain etiology. Recently, there is emerging evidence suggesting that oral bacteria may exert a prominent role in the onset and development of OLP. They might promote the initiation and progression of OLP by disrupting the oral epithelia, invading the lamina propria, stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokines production and inducing immune dysfunction. In this review, we will focus on the possible mechanisms of oral bacteria contributing to occurrence and development of OLP, and provide new insights into the bacteria-related diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies for OLP.