IL-22 and IL-9 in periodontal diseases.

• Grant number: 14/17113-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2014
• End date: November 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Campanelli
• Grantee: Stephanie Karoline Shibuya
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a common, complex disease with a variable clinical presentation. The most prevalent form is chronic periodontitis, which can be further characterized by extent and severity (degree of clinical attachment loss). The development of periodontal disease is dependent on the host response and involves Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg-related cytokines. The discovery of new Th9 and Th22 subsets, with important immunomodulatory roles mediated by interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-22, respectively, emphasizes the need for reevaluation of current cytokine paradigms in context of periodontal disease. Based on these findings, we have formulated the hypothesis that signaling mediated via IL-9 and IL-22 impairs the Th1-type immune response thereby leaving the development of chronic periodontitis. Our specific aim is characterize the CD4+ T cell phenotype, especially Th9 e Th22, on peripheral blood from healthy subjects and patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.