How Oral Bacteria Suppress Protection Against Viral Growth
Researchers from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and their colleagues have discovered details of how proteins produced by oral epithelial cells protect humans against viruses entering the body through the mouth. They also found that oral bacteria can suppress the activity of these cells, increasing vulnerability to infection.
A family of proteins known as interferon lambdas produced by epithelial cells in the mouth serve to protect humans from viral infection, but the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalisreduces the production and effectiveness of those important frontline defenders.
“Our studies identified certain pathogenic bacterial species, P. gingivalis, which cause periodontal disease, can completely suppress interferon production and severely enhance susceptibility to viral infection,” said Juhi Bagaitkar, assistant professor in the UofL Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Disease. “These resident oral plaque bacteria play a key role in regulating anti-viral responses.”...
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A family of proteins known as interferon lambdas produced by epithelial cells in the mouth serve to protect humans from viral infection, but the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalisreduces the production and effectiveness of those important frontline defenders.
“Our studies identified certain pathogenic bacterial species, P. gingivalis, which cause periodontal disease, can completely suppress interferon production and severely enhance susceptibility to viral infection,” said Juhi Bagaitkar, assistant professor in the UofL Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Disease. “These resident oral plaque bacteria play a key role in regulating anti-viral responses.”...
Click Here To Read More