Evidence revealing the role of T cell regulators (Tregs) in periodontal diseases: A review

Abstract

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium, which is a reflection of the overgrowth of oral commensals. This alteration in the oral microbiota initiates inflammation of the gingiva, which when left untreated, terminates with the resorption of the alveolar bone that may lead to a poor and hopeless prognosis. With upcoming trends in modulating the host's immunity, the role of regulatory T-cells has gained importance. These T-cells defend against inflammation and autoimmunity as they suppress both. However, in both the conditions, the regulatory cells are invariably reduced in number. Novel methods to enhance the function of Tregs have made their way in dentistry, as a promising approach to cure periodontitis. This article discusses various significant tests and trials of Tregs in the recent years.

Keywords: Immunity; Treg cell therapy; immuno-modulation; periodontitis; regulatory T-cells.

Figure 1

Development of T cells. Th – T helper cells; Treg – T regulators; T cell – Thymus cell; B cell – Bursa of fabricius cell; CD4 – Cluster of Differentiation 4; CD8 – cluster of Differentiation 8; nTREG – Naturally occurring regulatory T cells; iTREG – Induced regulatory T cells

Figure 2

Treg activation, anti-inflammatory cytokine production and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Th – T helper; TGF-β- Transforming growth factor β; IL-17- Interleukin 17; CTLA- Cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated molecule; TREG – Regulatory T cells; CD – Cluster of Differentiation; IL – Interleukins; TH – T helper cells; ALP – Alkaline phosphatase; TGFB - Transforming growth factor beta