Induction of apoptosis in human gingival fibroblasts by a Porphyromonas gingivalis protease preparation.

Proteases produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Here the cytotoxic effects of a purified preparation of a P. gingivalis protease with trypsin-like specificity were tested on human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. The active protease induced apoptotic cell death in the fibroblasts, as indicated by DNA fragmentation and the expression of 7A6 antigen. Thus, the production of proteases by periodontopathic bacteria could be an important factor in the induction of apoptosis of host cells in the aetiology of periodontal diseases.