Gingival Epithelial Barrier: Regulation by Beneficial and Harmful Microbes

Overview

Journal Tissue Barriers

Specialties Anatomy & Histology
Biology
Physiology

Date 2019 Aug 8

PMID 31389292

Citations 32

Authors

Naoki Takahashi

Benso Sulijaya

Miki Yamada-Hara

Takahiro Tsuzuno

Koichi Tabeta

Kazuhisa Yamazaki

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The gingival epithelium acts as a physical barrier to separate the biofilm from the gingival tissue, providing the first line of defense against bacterial invasion in periodontal disease. Disruption of the gingival epithelial barrier, and the subsequent penetration of exogenous pathogens into the host tissues, triggers an inflammatory response, establishing chronic infection. Currently, more than 700 different bacterial species have been identified in the oral cavity, some of which are known to be periodontopathic. These bacteria contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction in the gingiva by producing several virulence factors. However, some bacteria in the oral cavity appear to be beneficial, helping gingival epithelial cells maintain their integrity and barrier function. This review aims to discuss current findings regarding microorganism interactions and epithelial barrier function in the oral cavity, with reference to investigations in the gut, where this interaction has been extensively studied.

Citing Articles

Temporal Transcriptomic Analysis of Periodontal Disease Progression and Its Molecular Links to Systemic Diseases.

Nantakeeratipat T, Fujihara C, Takedachi M Int J Mol Sci. 2025; 26(5).

PMID: 40076622 PMC: 11900451. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26051998.

An in vitro model demonstrating homeostatic interactions between reconstructed human gingiva and a saliva-derived multispecies biofilm.

Shang L, Roffel S, Slomka V, DAgostino E, Metris A, Buijs M Microbiome. 2025; 13(1):58.

PMID: 40022258 PMC: 11869481. DOI: 10.1186/s40168-025-02033-w.

Lactobacillus lysates protect oral epithelial cells from pathogen-associated damage, increase secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance barrier integrity.

Mercer S, Doherty C, Singh G, Willmott T, Cheesapcharoen T, Teanpaisan R Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1):5894.

PMID: 39966408 PMC: 11836205. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86914-y.

A Review of a Breakdown in the Barrier: Tight Junction Dysfunction in Dental Diseases.

Do T, Nguyen V, Nguyen N, Duong K, Nguyen T, Le D Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2025; 16:513-531.

PMID: 39758089 PMC: 11697688. DOI: 10.2147/CCIDE.S492107.

Periodontal bacteria influence systemic diseases through the gut microbiota.

Xi M, Ruan Q, Zhong S, Li J, Qi W, Xie C Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024; 14:1478362.

PMID: 39619660 PMC: 11604649. DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1478362.

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