gingivalis into the cells was partially blocked by knock-down of Rab5a. TNF-α induced ICAM-1 expression through activating ERK/p38 MAPK [46]. Therefore, p38 inhibition suppressed ICAM-1 expression followed by decrease in P. gingivalis invasion. On the other hand, Rab5 has three isoforms (A, B, and C) and the isoforms are able to compensate for each other. As we interfered with the expression of Rab5a but not that of Rab5b and 5c, Rab5b and Rab5c, which were not blocked, may compensate the function of Rab5a for bacterial internalization. CHIR98014 concentration P. gingivalis can enter Ca9-22 cells without TNF-α selleck stimulation (Figure 1A). Blockade of the TNF receptor and inhibition of p38 and

JNK did not completely inhibit P. gingivalis invasion. These results suggest that P. gingivalis is also internalized in a TNF-α-independent manner. P. gingivalis invades gingival epithelial cells without any stimulation to the host cells.

P. gingivalis fimbriae interact with cell surface molecules such as integrins and the interactions trigger colonization and internalization of the bacteria in various cells [47,48]. Furthermore, the trypsin-like cysteine Danusertib chemical structure protease gingipain produced by P. gingivalis also plays an important role during P. gingivalis entry into cells [47]. P. gingivalis can enter host cells by using these molecules without TNF-α stimulation. However, TNF-α is increased in inflamed periodontal tissues and gingival crevicular fluids. In those tissues, P. gingivalis invasion Thalidomide is increased,

and it promotes persistent infection and avoids immune surveillance. The cellular tropism of P. gingivalis depends in part upon the fimbriase of the bacteria and the receptors of the host cell. We used Ca9-22 cells as a model for gingival cell infection. These cells were originally derived from human gingival carcinoma and phenotypically resemble gingival epithelial cells. However, Ca9-22 cells may also express some cell surface receptors that are different from endogenous gingival cells. Thus our experimental system is representative of bacteria-host interactions in vivo, but not a perfect model We have little evidence about that in vivo and further study is needed to make a final conclusion concerning the physiological relevance of the phenomena. Ca9-22 cells expressed TNFR-I but not TNFR-II (Figure 2A). We also ascertained the expression of TNFR-II after treatment with TNF-α in Ca9-22 cells. However, TNF-α did not induce TNFR-II expression in Ca9-22 cells. Therefore, we concluded that the effects of TNF-α are mediated through TNFR-I. TNF-α activates caspases and induces apoptosis in cells. However, C9-22 cells were alive during the experimental periods even after stimulation with TNF-α (Additional file 1: Figure S2). Therefore, we think that the apoptotic activity of TNF-α towards host cells does not affect P. gingivalis invasion.