A Controversial Role for IL-12 in Immune Response and Bone Resorption at Apical Periodontal Sites. (28th December 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Queiroz-Junior, Celso Martins; Silva, Marcelo José Barbosa; Corrêa, Jôice Dias; Madeira, Mila Fernandes Moreira; Garlet, Thiago Pompermaier; Garlet, Gustavo Pompermaier; Cunha, Fernando Queiroz; Teixeira, Mauro Martins; Silva, Tarcília Aparecida da
• Other Names: Wei Xiao-Qing Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & developmental immunology. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-12-28
• Subjects: Developmental immunology -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9638
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/327417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-2522

Abstract

Abstract : Periapical lesions are inflammatory conditions of tooth periapical tissues, triggered by dental pulp infection and characterized by exudation of immune cells to the affected tissues and production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines. The inflammatory periapical reaction is mainly driven by Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses, and such polarization may modulate progression of the disease and expression of bone proresorptive cytokines. IL-12 is a potent inducer of IFN- γ production, which stimulates Th1 effector cells. Many evidences have shown a positive correlation between the bone resorptive cytokine IL-1 β and the production of IL-12 and IFN- γ . Furthermore, IL-12 may have a potential role in the release of bone resorptive mediators and blockade of Th2 cytokines, affecting the progression of periapical bone loss. Nevertheless, IL-12 and IFN- γ have also been described as suppressors of osteoclast differentiation and activation, favoring bone maintenance. This paper focuses on the controversial roles of IL-12 in periapical lesions.