Work

Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS Priming Enhances TLR2‐Dependent Chemokine Responses in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) contribute to periodontal inflammation by sensing bacterial components through Toll-like receptors (TLRs). This study investigated the distinct inflammatory and regulatory responses of PDLFs to TLR2 stimulation and ultrapure Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P. g. LPS), used as a TLR4 ligand, and examined whether prior exposure to P. g. LPS modulates subsequent TLR2-mediated signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human PDLFs were stimulated with the TLR2 ligand Pam3CSK4 or ultrapure P. g. LPS. Chemokine gene expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and IL-8 and CCL5 concentrations in culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways and TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression were examined by western blotting. Cells were pre-stimulated with P. g. LPS and subsequently exposed to Pam3CSK4, either with or without washing to remove the residual stimulus. TLR-related molecules were also evaluated at the mRNA level. RESULTS: Pam3CSK4 consistently induced IL8 and CCL5 mRNA expression and activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways, whereas P. g. LPS alone induced only minimal inflammatory signaling. Pre-stimulation with P. g. LPS enhanced subsequent TLR2-dependent responses in a manner dependent on stimulus persistence. ELISA analyses showed that IL-8 and CCL5 secretion patterns were generally consistent with their corresponding mRNA expression profiles. Western blotting confirmed the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 proteins in PDLFs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that P. g. LPS primes PDLFs for enhanced TLR2-dependent inflammatory responses, particularly under conditions of persistent P. g. LPS exposure.

Source: Clinical and Experimental Dental Research

DOI: 10.1002/cre2.70513

Authors: Masayo Abe, Shintaro Oda, Hiroshi Sakagami, Megumi Inomata

Institution: Meikai University

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,440