|
Bacterial virulence factor | Effect on host cells | References |
|
Fimbriae, flagellae | Promote bacterial colonization, adherence and invasion of host cells | [37, 38] |
Modulate inflammatory response |
|
Lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) | Mediate bacterial adhesion to human cells and teeth | [39–47] |
Arrest growth and decrease mitosis in epithelial cells |
Stimulate leukocytes, activate complement |
Increase cytokine and inflammatory mediator production |
Stimulate bone resorption |
|
Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) | Increase epithelial cell permeability, penetrate gingival epithelium | [39, 45, 48–58] |
Stimulate JE basal cell proliferation at high concentration (5000 μg/mL) |
Stimulate gingival fibroblast proliferation at low concentration (<10 μg) and suppress at high concentration |
Stimulate T-helper cell proliferation |
Increase cytokine and inflammatory mediator production |
Activate osteoclasts |
|
Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) | Raise inflammatory response | [59–63] |
Inhibit gingival epithelial cell and fibroblast proliferation |
|
Proteinases | Activate host MMP:s, degrade extracellular matrix components, immunoglobulins and complement proteins | |
Promote apoptosis in gingival fibroblasts | [64] |
Induce human β-defensin-2 expression in gingival epithelial cells in vitro | |
|
Heat shock proteins | Activate epithelial cells and osteoclasts at low concentrations and cause cell death at high concentrations | [65] |
|
Cytolethal distending toxin | Upregulate RANKL expression in T cells | [66] |
|
Leukotoxin | Cause apoptosis and necrosis of PMNs, T cells, natural killer cells | [48] |
|
Capsule | Increase resistance to phagocytosis | [48] |
|
Ammonium, hydrogen sulphide | Toxic to cells, cause cell vacuolization, inhibit collagen formation | [67, 68] |
|