Antimicrobial peptides in gingival inflammation and periodontal healing

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Henrik Dommisch
• Subject Area: Dentistry, Oral Surgery
• Term: from 2008 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 58918792

The evaluation of responses of gingival epithelial cells (GECs) and fibroblasts (HGFs) to the commensal Streptococcus gordonii and the pathogenic Porphyromonas gingivalis revealed that the commensal modified the antimicrobial host responses to the pathogen. We formulated a research agenda to further analyze gingival responses to oral bacteria in vitro and in vivo. (1) In GECs and HGFs, we aim to evaluate the antimicrobial response to various bacterial virulence factors, such as lipopolysaccharides, proteases etc.. Here, we propose that specific combinations of virulence factors are required to individually initiate antimicrobial peptide (AMPs) expression. (2) In addition, in vivo expression of AMPs will be investigated during early gingival inflammation. For this purpose, we aim to perform an experimental gingivitis study, a non-invasive human model of acute inflammation and its resolution. (3) Moreover, we aim to elucidate the expression profile of AMPs during periodontal healing in patients with advanced chronic periodontitis that undergo periodontal therapy. In both in vivo projects, the individual microbiological composition of the biofilm will be longitudinally analyzed. In the future, improved knowledge about the regulation of AMPs during host-bacteria-interactions is a pre-requisite for novel antimicrobial prevention and treatment strategies, involving AMPs.

• DFG Programme: Clinical Research Units
• Subproject of: KFO 208: Aetiology and Sequelae of Periodontal Diseases - Genetic, Cell Biological and Biomechanical Aspects
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Sören Jepsen