title: Restoring host-microbe homeostasis via selective chemoattraction of Tregs.
abstract: The disruption of host-microbe homeostasis at the site of periodontal disease is considered a key factor for disease initiation and progress. While the downstream mechanisms responsible for the tissue damage per se are relatively well-known (involving various patterns of immune response operating toward periodontal tissue destruction), we are only beginning to understand the complexity of host-microbe interactions in the periodontal environment. Unfortunately, most of the research has been focused on the disruption of host-microbe homeostasis instead of focusing on the factors responsible for maintaining homeostasis. In this context, regulatory T-cells (Tregs) comprise a CD4+FOXp3 +T-cell subset with a unique ability to regulate other leukocyte functions to avoid excessive immune activation and its pathological consequences. Tregs act as critical determinants of host-microbe homeostasis, as well as determinants of a balanced host response after the disruption of host-microbe homeostasis by pathogens. In periodontitis, Tregs play a protective role, with their natural recruitment being responsible for conversion of active into inactive lesions. With controlled-release technology, it is now possible to achieve a selective chemoattraction of Tregs to periodontal tissues, attenuating experimental periodontitis evolution due to the local control of inflammatory immune response and the generation of a pro-reparative environment.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry of Bauru, São Paulo University (FOB/USP), Bauru, SP, Brazil garletgp@usp.br.
authors: G P
authors: GP
authors: Garlet
authors: Bioengineering The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine Department of Oral Biology The Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors: C S
authors: CS
authors: Sfeir
authors: Departments of Chemical Engineering Bioengineering Immunology The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine The Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors: S R
authors: SR
authors: Little
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000276:immunology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors
keywords: bone regeneration; chemokines; drug delivery systems; inflammation; periodontal disease(s)/periodontitis; regulatory T-Lymphocytes