The role of Th17 and Regulatory T cells (Treg) in immunomodulation of experimental periapical lesions

Abstract

The progression and severity of chronic periapical lesions are deeply influenced by host inflammatory and immune response, even dependent of presence of pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, different subtypes of lymphocytes, such as Th17 and Treg (regulatory T cells), have been implicated in the pathogenesis of such lesions. However, the role of Th17 and Tregs cells in the immunomodulation of chronic periapical lesions and its association have not been well known, as well as its the potential mechanisms involved. In this way, the aim of this project is investigate the role of Treg and Th17 in experimental periapical lesions in mice (C57BL/6) (Fukada, Silva et al. 2008; Garlet, Fukada et al. 2010; Spider Repeke et al. J Endond 2013) by histomorphometric and molecular analyses of the lesions in treating mice with anti-GITR (inhibition of Tregs, Garlet et al. 2010), IL-17 knockout animals (IL-17 KO with genetic background C57Bl/6) and untreated WT mice. For the histopathology and histomorphometric analysis, parameters as osteoclast number and pattern of mRNA expression (RealTimePCRarray) of factors involved in the destruction of soft tissue and in the process of osteoclastogenesis will be performed. The results of this project, involving the susceptibility or resistance of different lineages, will elucidate the role of Treg and Th17 cells in the development of periradicular diseases and the mechanisms involved in its regulation, besides it will improve the knowledge of the injury immunopathogenesis and the development of new strategies for diagnosis and clinical management of these pathologies. (AU)