Treg roles in periodontal diseases: a review of evidence.
Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Evidence revealing the role of T cell regulators (Tregs) in periodontal diseases: A review
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium, which can lead to severe oral health issues, including the loss of alveolar bone. This condition is often the result of an imbalance in the oral microbiota, triggering inflammation in the gingiva. Recent advances in understanding immune responses, particularly those involving regulatory T-cells (Tregs), have demonstrated the potential for innovative treatments aimed at managing and potentially curing periodontitis. Tregs play a critical role in regulating inflammation and preventing autoimmunity, making them a promising target for therapeutic interventions in periodontal disease.
The Role of Regulatory T-Cells in Periodontitis
Tregs, characterized by the expression of Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FOXP3), are crucial for maintaining immune balance by suppressing pro-inflammatory responses. There are natural Tregs (nTregs) and induced Tregs (iTregs), both of which contribute to controlling inflammation within the periodontium. In the context of periodontitis, an imbalance between Tregs and pro-inflammatory T helper cells (such as Th17) can exacerbate the disease, leading to increased tissue damage and loss of bone. Current research highlights the therapeutic potential of enhancing Treg function and numbers to improve outcomes in patients suffering from periodontitis. Techniques such as adoptive Treg transfer and the use of immunosuppressive agents are being explored to leverage the anti-inflammatory properties of Tregs in dental therapy.
Conclusion
Treg cell therapy presents a forward-looking approach to treat periodontitis, capitalizing on the ability of these cells to regulate immune responses and promote healing. While experimental studies demonstrate encouraging results in modulating Tregs to counteract periodontal inflammation, the transition from animal models to human clinical trials remains a challenge. Ongoing research and development are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of Treg-based treatments for periodontitis, but the potential benefits signify a new frontier in periodontal therapy that could revolutionize current treatment paradigms.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Paavai Ilango, Dhanapriya Kumar, Arulpari Mahalingam, Abirami Thanigaimalai, Vineela Katam Reddy
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:
(A bimonthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Evidence revealing the role of T cell regulators (Tregs) in periodontal diseases: A review
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_308
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of regulatory T-cells in periodontitis?
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) help suppress inflammation and maintain immune tolerance in periodontitis. Their numbers are typically reduced in inflammatory conditions, leading to increased inflammation and tissue damage.
How do Tregs potentially treat periodontitis?
Treg therapies aim to enhance the immune response against periodontitis. Techniques involve manipulating Treg cells to improve their function, encouraging their proliferation, and targeting them to inflamed sites for better therapeutic outcomes.
What factors influence the effectiveness of Treg therapy in humans?
The effectiveness of Treg therapy in humans is influenced by factors including the cost of treatment, the complexity of cell-based therapies, and the current lack of extensive human trial data.
What are the key immune responses associated with periodontitis?
Periodontitis involves a complex immune response where pro-inflammatory responses often outweigh anti-inflammatory reactions, leading to tissue damage. Tregs play a crucial role in regulating these responses.
What future directions are there for Treg research in periodontics?
Future research may focus on enhancing Treg function, exploring new Treg subsets, and developing targeted delivery systems for Treg cells to improve periodontal treatment outcomes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Treg roles in periodontal diseases: a review of evidence.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Inflammation:
Inflammation refers to the body's immune response to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or irritants, typically characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. In periodontitis, inflammation affects the gingiva by responding to the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, leading to potential tissue damage and loss of alveolar bone if untreated.
2) Disease:
Disease signifies any abnormal condition affecting the body, impairing function, or causing distress. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium, demanding attention for its potential consequences like bone resorption and poor prognosis. Understanding disease mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
3) Study (Studying):
Study involves systematic investigation and research to understand phenomena. Numerous studies on regulatory T-cells (Tregs) have been conducted to evaluate their role in modulating immune responses in diseases such as periodontitis, thus highlighting the importance of clinical trials and tests in improving treatment outcomes.
4) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transforming generally denotes changing one form into another. In the context of Tregs, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a crucial role in the differentiation and functioning of these cells. TGF-β is vital for suppressing inflammation and promoting a regulatory environment within the immune response.
5) Animal:
Animal refers to non-human living organisms used in research to model human diseases. Animal studies are vital for understanding the efficacy of Treg therapies in periodontitis. They provide insights into biological processes and help validate treatment approaches before advancing to human trials.
6) Table:
Table refers to structured data representation, typically used to summarize and compare results. In scientific studies, tables can effectively present experimental outcomes regarding Tregs, their functions, and interactions with pathogens, aiding in visualizing relevant information and supporting conclusions drawn from research.
7) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid that circulates in the body, transporting oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. In periodontitis, blood immune cells, including Tregs, circulate to inflamed sites. The interaction of these cells within blood contributes significantly to the immune response and overall periodontal health.
8) Surface:
Surface denotes the outermost layer of an object or tissue. In immunology, the surface markers of Tregs, such as CD4 and CD25, are essential for their identification and function. Understanding surface characteristics aids in the development of targeted therapies for modulating immune responses in diseases.
9) Beta:
Beta often represents various biological agents, including proteins like Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β), significant in immunological regulation. TGF-β is important in the function of Tregs, where it facilitates immune tolerance and moderates inflammatory responses, crucial for conditions such as periodontitis.
10) Pur:
Poor indicates substandard conditions or low quality. Poor oral hygiene is a significant risk factor for the development of periodontitis, linking inadequate care with increased inflammation and microbial dysbiosis. Understanding this relationship highlights the need for improved oral health practices.
11) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting joints. The relevance in the study of Tregs arises from shared immunological pathways between periodontitis and autoimmune conditions, underscoring how therapeutic strategies for Treg modulation could translate across different inflammatory diseases.
12) Biodegradable:
Biodegradable refers to materials that can be decomposed by biological processes. In the context of therapeutic delivery systems, biodegradable polymers are crucial for sustained release of Tregs or cytokines in periodontal treatment, allowing gradual and efficient modulation of immune response within affected tissues.
13) Observation:
Observation refers to the act of monitoring phenomena to gather data. In clinical research, careful observation of Treg behavior and immune responses in periodontitis plays a vital role in assessing treatment efficacy. Observational data inform improvements in hypothesis-driven research and clinical applications.
14) Developing:
Developing denotes the process of progressing or evolving. In medical research, developing new therapies, particularly Treg-based treatments for periodontitis, focuses on enhancing immune responses. This process involves continuous investigation and innovation to improve patient outcomes and address disease mechanisms effectively.
15) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene encapsulates practices to maintain health and prevent disease. In the context of periodontitis, proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and subsequent inflammation. Educating patients about hygiene practices is a fundamental strategy to combat periodontal disease.
16) Nature:
Nature generally refers to the inherent characteristics of something. In immunology, the nature of Tregs—how they function and interact within the immune system—is critical. Understanding this innate quality aids in creating therapies that leverage Tregs effectively for diseases like periodontitis.
17) Hair:
Hair, specifically in periodontics, can relate to gingival tissues where tissue health can influence immune responses. While not directly studied for Tregs, the surrounding biological environment, including skin and mucosal factors, may ultimately have roles in immune regulation and periodontal health.
18) Hand:
Hand signifies the physical use or manipulation by individuals; in research, it can denote clinicians’ hands-on treatment of periodontitis. This term underscores the importance of practical skills in applying therapeutic interventions and patient management, bridging experimental findings with clinical implementation.
19) Drug:
Drug refers to substances used for medical treatment. In the realm of Tregs, developing drugs to enhance Treg function or mimic their action is a promising therapeutic approach for managing periodontitis. Such advances can lead to novel treatments that harness the body's own immune regulation.