Proteolytic Activity-Independent Activation of the Immune Response by Gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Izabela Ciastoń, Joanna Budziaszek, Dorota Satała, Barbara Potempa, Andrew Fuchs, Maria Rąpała‐Kozik, Danuta Mizgalska, Ewelina Dobosz, Richard J. Lamont, Jan Potempa, Joanna Kozieł
Abstract
Gingipain cysteine proteases are essential virulence factors of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an oral bacterium implicated in development of periodontitis. Gingipains diffusing from anaerobic periodontal pockets lose proteolytic activity in the oxygenated environment of gingival tissues. We found that despite the loss of activity, gingipains still elicit a strong inflammatory response, which may contribute to the progression of periodontitis and bone resorption. Moreover, we identified the host molecules utilized by the pathogen as receptors for proteolytically inactivated gingipains. The broad distribution of those receptors in human tissue suggests their involvement in systemic diseases associated with periodontal pathogens.