New approaches to combat Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms

Abstract

In nature, bacteria predominantly reside in structured, surface-attached communities embedded in a self-produced, extracellular matrix. These so-called biofilms play an important role in the development and pathogenesis of many infections, as they are difficult to eradicate due to their resistance to antimicrobials and host defense mechanisms. This review focusses on the biofilm-forming periodontal bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis. Current knowledge on the virulence mechanisms underlying P. gingivalis biofilm formation is presented. In addition, oral infectious diseases in which P. gingivalis plays a key role are described, and an overview of conventional and new therapies for combating P. gingivalis biofilms is given. More insight into this intriguing pathogen might direct the development of better strategies to combat oral infections.

Keywords: Porphyromonas gingivalis; biofilms; new antibacterial agents.

Figure 1.

Determinants involved in biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis. A schematic representation of the involvement of surface structures (fimbriae, lipopolysaccharides, internalines, and capsules), quorum sensing (LuxS/AI-2), and heme uptake (gingipains, hemagglutinins and HmuY/HmuR) in in vitro biofilm formation.

Figure 2.

Overview of interactions of P. gingivalis fimbriae FimA and Mfa1 with epithelial cells and other bacteria. A question mark indicates a hitherto unclear effect or interaction.