Regulatory T cells attenuate experimental periodontitis progression in mice

Author(s)

Garlet, Gustavo P. ^[1] ; Cardoso, Cristina R. ^[2] ; Mariano, Flavia S. ^[3] ; Claudino, Marcela ^[1] ; de Assis, Gerson F. ^[1] ; Campanelli, Ana P. ^[1] ; Avila-Campos, Mario J. ^[4] ; Silva, Joao S. ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo Univ FOB USP, Sch Dent Bauru, Dept Biol Sci, BR-17012901 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Triangulo Mineiro UFTM, Dept Biol Sci, Uberaba, MG - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo Univ FMRP USP, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biochem & Immunol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Sao Paulo Univ ICB USP, Inst Biolomed Sci, Dept Microbiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY; v. 37, n. 7, p. 591-600, JUL 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 74

Abstract

P>Aims The aim of this study was to identify the presence and characterize the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in experimental periodontitis in mice. Material and Methods C57Bl/6 mice infected with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, treated or not with anti-glucocorticoid-inducible tumour necrosis factor receptor (anti-GITR) to inhibit Tregs function, were analysed regarding inflammatory cell and Tregs influx, alveolar bone loss and cytokine expression/production (analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA) throughout experimental periodontitis. Results A. actinomycetemcomitans inoculation in mice resulted in periodontal disease characterized by marked alveolar bone loss and an influx of inflammatory cells. Flow cytometry evaluation of inflammatory cells demonstrated an increased number of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+FOXp3+ cells, characterizing the presence of Tregs in the periodontal environment in a late stage after infection. Tregs-associated cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule 4 (CTLA-4) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were found to be expressed/produced in a kinetics that resembles Tregs migration. Treatment with anti-GITR, which inhibits Tregs function, showed increased alveolar bone loss and inflammatory cell migration. A reduction in IL-10, CTLA-4 and TGF-beta levels was also observed, while interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B ligand levels were increased. However, bacterial load and C-reactive protein serum did not show any differences. Conclusion Taken together, our results showed that the presence of Treg cells attenuates the severity of experimental periodontitis without impairment in the control of infection. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/01705-7 - The role of MIP-1alpha on the immunomodulation of experimental periodontal disease
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo Palanch Repeke
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master