Characterization of the immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells on the inflammatory response to Porphyromonas gingivalis

• Grant number: 14/11617-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2014
• End date: March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Cunha Villar
• Grantee: Cristina Cunha Villar
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Although periodontal disease is initiated by virulence factors expressed by periodontal pathogens that colonize tooth surfaces and periodontal sulcus, its progression is strongly associated with host inflammatory responses. Novel scientific evidences suggest that neutrophils are hyperactivated during the progression of periodontal disease and that this hyperfunctional state is, in part, responsible for periodontal destruction. Mesenchymal stem cells are non-hematopoietic progenitor cells that have the ability to differentiate into distinct mesenchymal cell lineages. Moreover, these cells have characteristics and functions in common with innate immune cells and react to the local presence of inflammatory mediators with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. The immunoregulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells make them powerful therapeutic tools in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to characterize in vitro the inflammatory response of mesenchymal stem cells to Porphyromonas gingivalis extracts and the impact of soluble mediators produced by mesenchymal stem cells on neutrophil migration, activation, and inflammatory response. (AU)