title: Pattern-recognition receptors in pulp defense.
abstract: Initial sensing of infection is mediated by germline-encoded pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), the activation of which leads to the expression of inflammatory mediators responsible for the elimination of pathogens and infected cells. PRRs act as immune sensors that provide immediate cell responses to pathogen invasion or tissue injury. Here, we review the expression of PRRs in human dental pulp cells, namely, receptors from the Toll-like (TLR) and Nod-like NLR families, by which cells recognize bacteria. Particular attention is given to odontoblasts, which are the first cells encountered by pathogens and represent, in the tooth, the first line of defense for the host. Understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the recognition of bacterial pathogens by odontoblasts is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies that aim at preventing excessive pulp inflammation and related deleterious effects.
authors.affiliation: Odontoblastes et Régénération des Tissus Dentaires, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS, INRA, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France. marie-jeanne.staquet@ens-lyon.fr
authors.forename: M-J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Staquet
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Carrouel
authors.forename: J-F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baudouin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Msika
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bleicher
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Kufer
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Farges
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000276:immunology; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000276:immunology; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D009804:Odontoblasts / Q000276:immunology; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition / Q000276:immunology*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D053472:Nod Signaling Adaptor Proteins; D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors