Akkermansia muciniphila enhances mucosal immunity against porphyromonas gingivalis

Abstract

<h3>Objective</h3><p>This study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of <em>Akkermansia muciniphila</em> in restoring <em>Porphyromonas gingivalis</em>-induced immune dysfunction.</p><h3>Design</h3><p>The immune response was assessed by measuring the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibacterial peptides in human gingival epithelial cells and human gingival fibroblasts treated with <em>A. muciniphila, P. gingivalis</em>, or a combination of both. Activation of the NF-κB pathway was analyzed using immunofluorescent staining and western blot. <em>In vivo</em> validation was performed using a mouse model, where <em>A. muciniphila</em> and <em>P. gingivalis</em> were administered alongside a MyD88-specific inhibitor to confirm the immunomodulatory mechanisms.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><em>A. muciniphila</em> significantly enhanced the defensive immune response through TLR-MYD88-NF-κB pathway. <em>In vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>, <em>A. muciniphila</em> upregulated chemokine expression to recruit immune cells. <em>A. muciniphila</em> also reduced the adhesion and internalization of <em>P. gingivalis</em> and increased the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (<em>DEFB103B</em> and <em>CAMP</em>).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p><em>A. muciniphila</em> demonstrates potential in combating <em>P. gingivalis</em> infection highlighting its role as a promising immune modulator for periodontal disease management.</p>