The most prevalent infections in the oral cavity are represented by periodontal diseases and candidal infections. Both result in an immune response represented, in part, by innate mechanisms. Antibiotic peptides are considered a key component of innate immunity. The beta-defensins are recently discovered antimicrobial peptides produced by epithelial cells whose role in protection against oral infections is as yet unknown. The hypothesis underlying the planned research is that beta-defensins function as antimicrobial agents in periodontal diseases and Candida infections. In this application, the Principal Investigator proposes studies of human beta-defensins 1 and 2 (HBD1 and 2) which they and others have recently found to be expressed in oral epithelia. The following specific aims are proposed for these studies.
Aim 1 is to determine the cell-specific localization and expression of HBD-1 and HBD-2 in the oral cavity in health and disease.
This aim will be addressed using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to reveal localization, and ribonuclease protection assays and RT-PCR to indicate expression. Secretion of the peptides will be assessed using Western blots.
Aim 2 is to determine what the antimicrobial properties of the human beta-defensins are against periodontal bacteria and Candida. Using recombinant peptides in established antimicrobial assays, the spectrum of antimicrobial activity of the beta-defensins against oral organisms will be determined.
Aim 3 is to determine what factors regulate the expression and secretion of beta-defensins in oral epithelia. To understand how beta-defensin gene expression and secretion may be regulated, cultured oral keratinocytes will be treated with candidate regulatory factors including periodontal bacteria, Candida organisms, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids. Expression of mRNA and peptide levels will be examined through the use of ribonuclease protection assays and Western blots, respectively. From these studies the Principal Investigator hopes to increase current understanding of the role beta-defensins play in the innate immunity of periodontal and Candida infections so as to be able to develop new therapeutic modalities against a group of prevalent oral diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01DE013334-01
Application #
2898599
Study Section
Oral Biology and Medicine Subcommittee 1 (OBM)
Project Start
1999-08-01
Project End
2003-05-31
Budget Start
1999-08-01
Budget End
2000-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Iowa
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
041294109
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52242
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Thunell, D H; Tymkiw, K D; Johnson, G K et al. (2010) A multiplex immunoassay demonstrates reductions in gingival crevicular fluid cytokines following initial periodontal therapy. J Periodontal Res 45:148-52
Johnson, G K; Guthmiller, J M; Joly, S et al. (2010) Interleukin-1 and interleukin-8 in nicotine- and lipopolysaccharide-exposed gingival keratinocyte cultures. J Periodontal Res 45:583-8
Joly, S; Compton, L M; Pujol, C et al. (2009) Loss of human beta-defensin 1, 2, and 3 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Microbiol Immunol 24:353-60
Weistroffer, P L; Joly, S; Srikantha, R et al. (2008) SMAP29 congeners demonstrate activity against oral bacteria and reduced toxicity against oral keratinocytes. Oral Microbiol Immunol 23:89-95
Joly, Sophie; Organ, Connie C; Johnson, Georgia K et al. (2005) Correlation between beta-defensin expression and induction profiles in gingival keratinocytes. Mol Immunol 42:1073-84
Bissell, John; Joly, Sophie; Johnson, Georgia K et al. (2004) Expression of beta-defensins in gingival health and in periodontal disease. J Oral Pathol Med 33:278-85
Premratanachai, P; Joly, S; Johnson, G K et al. (2004) Expression and regulation of novel human beta-defensins in gingival keratinocytes. Oral Microbiol Immunol 19:111-7
Joly, Sophie; Maze, Connie; McCray Jr, Paul B et al. (2004) Human beta-defensins 2 and 3 demonstrate strain-selective activity against oral microorganisms. J Clin Microbiol 42:1024-9
Guthmiller, J M; Vargas, K G; Srikantha, R et al. (2001) Susceptibilities of oral bacteria and yeast to mammalian cathelicidins. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 45:3216-9

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