Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
J Dent Res. 2021 Jul;100(8):790-797. doi: 10.1177/00220345211000656. Epub 2021 Mar 14.
, a fastidious Gram-positive obligate anaerobic bacterium, is a newly appreciated member of the periodontal community that is now proposed to be a diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease. Its pathogenic characteristics are highlighted by its ability to survive in the oxidative stress-rich environment of the periodontal pocket and to significantly alter the microbial community dynamics by forming biofilms and interacting with several oral bacteria. Here, we describe the current understanding of virulence attributes, such as its comparative resistance to oxidative stress, production of unique proteases and collagenases that can cause structural damage to host cells, and dysregulation of the immune system, which enable this bacterium to colonize, survive, and outcompete other traditional pathogens in the inflammatory environment of the periodontal pocket. Furthermore, we explore the recent advancements and future directions for research, including the potential mechanisms for oxidative stress resistance and our evolving understanding of the interactions and mechanisms of bacterial survival inside neutrophils. We also discuss the current genetic tools and challenges involved in manipulating the genome for the functional characterization of the putative virulence genes. Collectively, this information will expedite research and should lead to the identification of prime targets for the development of novel therapeutics to aid in the control and prevention of periodontal disease.
牙龈卟啉单胞菌是一种挑剔的革兰氏阳性需氧厌氧细菌，是牙周群落中一种新被认识的成员，现在被提议作为牙周病的诊断指标。其致病性特征突出表现在它能够在牙周袋富含氧化应激的环境中生存，并通过形成生物膜和与几种口腔细菌相互作用，显著改变微生物群落动态。在这里，我们描述了对其毒力特性的现有认识，例如其对氧化应激的相对抗性、产生独特的蛋白酶和胶原酶的能力，这些酶可以导致宿主细胞的结构损伤，以及免疫系统失调，使这种细菌能够在牙周袋的炎症环境中定植、生存和与其他传统病原体竞争。此外，我们探讨了 的最新进展和未来研究方向，包括氧化应激抗性的潜在机制以及我们对中性粒细胞内细菌生存的相互作用和机制的不断发展的理解。我们还讨论了当前用于操纵基因组以对推定的毒力基因进行功能表征的遗传工具和挑战。总的来说，这些信息将加速 的研究，并应导致确定开发新型治疗方法的主要目标，以帮助控制和预防牙周病。
