Isolation of Naturally Induced T-regulatory Cells in Gingival Tissues of Healthy Human Subjects and Subjects with Gingivitis and Chronic Periodontitis

Background: The immune mechanism depends on CD4+ T cells for its regular function, and altered T cell function leads to microbial disease progression. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the role of naturally induced T-regulatory (nTreg) cells (CD4+ CD25+ Fox P3+) in periodontal disease pathogenesis. Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients attending the out-patient clinic of the Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University (SRU), Chennai, India were recruited for the study. They were categorized in three groups as healthy individuals, individuals with chronic gingivitis, and individuals with chronic periodontitis gingival tissues. nTreg (CD4+ CD25+ Fox P3+) cells were isolated using flow cytometry. Different conjugated, isolated cells were then gated in the order of CD4+, CD25+, and Fox P3+ cells. Results: The results of our study showed an increase in the proportions of Treg cells in individuals with chronic periodontitis compared to individuals with gingivitis and healthy individuals. Conclusion: Further elucidation of cellular and molecular processes underlying Treg cells will help unravel the complexity behind periodontal disease pathogenesis besides paving the way in developing newer treatment strategies.