<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> -Induced Macrophage Necroptosis Promotes Refractory Apical Periodontitis
Xingzhu Dai, Rongyang Ma, Weiyi Jiang, Zilong Deng, Lijuan Chen, Yuee Liang, Longquan Shao, Wanghong Zhao
Abstract
Oral infectious diseases represent a major neglected global population health challenge, imposing an increasing burden on public health and economy. Refractory apical periodontitis (RAP), mainly caused by Enterococcus faecalis, is a representative oral infectious disease with considerable therapeutic challenges. The interplay between E. faecalis and the host often leads to the activation of programmed cell death. This study identifies an important role of macrophage necroptosis induced by E. faecalis in the pathogenesis of RAP. Manipulating RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis may represent novel therapeutic targets, not only for RAP but also for other E. faecalis-associated infectious diseases.