Jornal de Imunologia Clínica e Celular
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Neutrophils-the Sentinels of Periodontal Innate Immunity

Prathiba Chichurakanahalli Srinivasan

The neutrophils play a pivotal role in the innate immune response to periodontal microorganisms. They are rapidly recruited to the dentogingival area where there is accumulation of dental plaque. The antimicrobial armamentarium that they possess not only eliminates the microbes but also partly contributes to the tissue destruction seen in periodontitis. Hence, their action is akin to that of a double-edged sword. Defects in neutrophil numbers or genetic abnormalities in neutrophil migration, chemotaxis and phagocytosis manifest as severe forms of aggressive periodontitis, emphasizing the importance of these cells in innate immunity. Over the past few decades, extensive research in the field of neutrophil cell biology has revealed fascinating facts about this cell. The discovery of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a novel concept and is considered as the central aspect of innate immunity. In addition to being a key defense cell, the neutrophil not only regulates the immune response but also provides a link between innate and adaptive immune system. The apoptopic neutrophil exerts anti-inflammatory effect. This review focuses on neutrophil functions, microbial killing mechanisms with special focus on neutrophil extracellular traps and the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.