Pro-Inflammatory Mediators
This general term refers to signaling molecules that help regulate immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.
What is cytokines?
This is the main role of the complement system, where immune proteins coat pathogens to make them easier for phagocytes to engulf.
What is opsonization?
T-cells mature in this organ, where they learn to distinguish between self and non-self before entering circulation.
What is the thymus?
This is the most abundant class of antibodies in blood circulation and is known for its role in neutralizing pathogens and activating the complement system.
What is IgG?
This process, characterized by the removal of dead cells and debris by macrophages, is essential for resolving inflammation and preventing chronic inflammation in periodontal tissues.
What is efferocytosis?
This chemokine is crucial for recruiting neutrophils to the site of infection during the early stages of inflammation in the periodontium.
What is IL-8?
This pathway of complement activation is triggered directly by microbial surfaces, including periodontal pathogens, without the need for antibodies.
What is the alternative pathway?
T-cells require this type of cell to present antigens in the context of MHC molecules in order to be activated.
What are Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)?
Activated B-cells differentiate into these antibody-producing factories, which secrete large amounts of immunoglobulins to neutralize periodontal pathogens.
What are plasma cells?
This class of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, derived from omega-3 fatty acids, actively promotes the resolution of inflammation and tissue healing.
What are resolvins?
This vasoactive peptide increases vascular permeability and directly contributes to the sensation of pain during inflammation
What is bradykinin?
The terminal complement complex, also known as this, forms a pore in the cell membrane of periodontal pathogens, leading to cell lysis.
What is the membrane attack complex (MAC)?
This type of T-cell is primarily responsible for recognizing and killing virus-infected cells and plays a role in tissue destruction in periodontitis.
What are Cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+ T-cells)?
This antibody in breast milk protects an infant's GI tract from microbial activity.
What is IgA?
Whole foods, anti-oxidants, and these, which are often found in fish like mackerel and salmon, are components of an anti-inflammatory diet
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
This inflammatory mediator is produced by the cyclooxygenase pathway.
What is Prostaglandin E2?
This fragment of complement promotes inflammation by increasing vascular permeability and recruiting immune cells to periodontal tissues.
What is C3a?
CD8+ T-cells recognize antigens presented on this type of MHC molecule, which is found on all nucleated cells of the body.
What is MHC Class I?
This part of the antibody determines the class of the antibody and defines its function in the immune response.
What is the heavy chain?
These anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzyme phospholipase A2, preventing the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes, thereby blocking the production of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
What are corticosteroids?
These proteolytic enzymes, produced by P. gingivalis, degrade host proteins, alter vascular permeability, process bacteria surface adhesions, activate MMPs, and provide substrates for bacterial growth.
What is gingipains?
This potent anaphylatoxin is responsible for triggering the release of histamine from mast cells, promoting gingival inflammation in periodontitis.
What is C5a?
Cytokines from these cells up regulate B-cell development and function.
What are TH2 cells?
This process allows B-cells to change the class of antibody they produce from IgM to IgG, IgA, or IgE, enhancing the specificity of the immune response.
What is isotope switching?
This phenotype of macrophages, known for producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, is crucial in the resolution phase of inflammation and tissue repair in periodontitis.
What are M2 macrophages?