IL-1β strengthens the physical barrier in gingival epithelial cells

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide and is caused by a variety of interactions between oral bacteria and the host. Here, pathogens induce inflammatory host responses that cause the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 by oral epithelial cells. In various systems, it has been shown that inflammation compromises physical barriers, which enables bacteria to invade the tissue. In this study, we investigated the barrier properties of the oral mucosa under physiological and inflamed conditions. For this purpose, we assessed the influence of IL-1β on the transepithelial electrical resistance and in particular on tight junctions in vitro in human stratified squamous epithelium models. Indirect immunofluorescence and western blot analyses were performed to investigate localization and expression of tight junction proteins in primary gingival cells, immortalized gingival cells and native gingiva. Furthermore, the TEER of gingival keratinocytes was assessed. The results showed that IL-1β led to strengthening of the gingival keratinocyte barrier. This was demonstrated by an increase in TEER, the upregulation of TJ proteins, and an increase in the formation of TJ strands. The IL-1β-mediated upregulation of occludin was prevented by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7085. These observations provide insights into host responses in the early stages of periodontal disease and offer information about TJ formation in human gingival epithelial cells under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Comprehensive knowledge of the physical barrier during inflammation may help in developing strategies to effectively target the inflammatory barrier to improve the bioavailability of drugs for the treatment of periodontitis.