IADR Abstract Archives

NKT cells promote the inflammatory responses in P. gingivalis-infected mice

Objectives: NKT cells can recognize lipid antigens derived from bacterial pathogens presented by CD1d, and have a potent ability to produce IFN-γ and IL-4. We have reported increased infiltration of NKT cells in human periodontitis lesions. However, the role of NKT cells in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is not clear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of NKT cells in the inflammatory responses in Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infected mice.

Methods: CD1d-/- mice and C57BL/6J mice which were administered α-GC (α-Galactosylceramide) were orally infected with P. gingivalis strain W83 10 times at 3-day intervals. After 1day of the last infection, alveolar bone resorption, serum SAA level, serum P. gingivalis-specific antibody levels, and gene expressions in the liver were examined.

Results: Alveolar bone resorption was accelerated in the NKT cell-activated group (α-GC-administered mice). Meanwhile, the bone loss was not observed in the NKT cell-deficient group (CD1d-/- mice). Serum levels of SAA and P. gingivalis-specific antibodies were significantly higher in the NKT cell-activated group compared with the control group. In the liver, gene expressions of IFN-γ, IL-4, TNF-a, and RANKL were down-regulated in the NKT cell-deficient group, whereas up-regulated in the NKT cell-activated group.

Conclusion: NKT cells appear to play as effector cells, which result in the progression of alveolar bone resorption and systemic inflammatory responses in P. gingivalis infected mice.


Japanese Division Meeting
2011 Japanese Division Meeting (Hiroshima, Japan)
Hiroshima, Japan
2011

Scientific Groups
  • Aoki, Yukari  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Nakjima, Takako  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Takahashi, Naoki  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Maekawa, Tomoki  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Miyashita, Hirotaka  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Miyauchi, Sayuri  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Miyazawa, Haruna  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Tabeta, Koichi  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
  • Yamazaki, Kazuhisa  ( Niigata University, Niigata, N/A, Japan )
    • Periodontal Research