The Msp Protein of Treponema denticola Interrupts Activity of Phosphoinositide Processing in Neutrophils

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a significant health burden, causing tooth loss and poor oral and overall systemic health. Dysbiosis of the oral biofilm and a dysfunctional immune response drive chronic inflammation, causing destruction of soft tissue and alveolar bone supporting the teeth. Treponema denticola , a spirochete abundant in the plaque biofilm of patients with severe periodontal disease, perturbs neutrophil function by modulating appropriate phosphoinositide (PIP) signaling.