Akkermansia muciniphila enhances mucosal immunity against porphyromonas gingivalis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of Akkermansia muciniphila in restoring Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced immune dysfunction. DESIGN: 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 A. muciniphila, P. gingivalis, or a combination of both. Activation of the NF-κB pathway was analyzed using immunofluorescent staining and western blot. In vivo validation was performed using a mouse model, where A. muciniphila and P. gingivalis were administered alongside a MyD88-specific inhibitor to confirm the immunomodulatory mechanisms. RESULTS: A. muciniphila significantly enhanced the defensive immune response through TLR-MYD88-NF-κB pathway. In vitro and in vivo, A. muciniphila upregulated chemokine expression to recruit immune cells. A. muciniphila also reduced the adhesion and internalization of P. gingivalis and increased the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (DEFB103B and CAMP). CONCLUSIONS: A. muciniphila demonstrates potential in combating P. gingivalis infection highlighting its role as a promising immune modulator for periodontal disease management.