Immunomodulatory Impact Of Memory T Lymphocytes In Periodontitis

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects dental- supporting structures. Progressive forms of periodontitis are often refractory to conventional therapy and can result in irreversible alveolar bone loss and tooth loss. Importantly, research shows that a dysregulated adaptive immune response drives periodontitis progression. Here we investigate and discuss distinct immunomodulatory aspects of periodontitis pathophysiology. Chapter I introduces Periodontitis and some of its immunological, microbiological, and clinical factors associated with this condition. In Chapter II, we report the regulatory impact of CD69 receptors in Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced mCD4+ T cells and the modulatory effects of CD69 receptors in an in vivo ligature-induced periodontitis model (LIP), LIP-induced alveolar bone loss and in LIP-associated gingival inflammatory infiltrate. In chapter III of this thesis, we report that local reactivation of oral CD8+ T cells (CD8+ TRM) exacerbates LIP progression and severity. We also characterize mechanisms of CD8+ TRM-modulated LIP progression. Finally, chapter IV of this thesis discusses the findings reported here and provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our experimental approaches.