Type 17 immune response promotes oral epithelial cell proliferation in periodontitis

This study aims to investigate the effects of type 17 immune response on the proliferation of oral epithelial cells in periodontitis. A time-dependent ligature induced periodontitis mouse model was utilized to explore gingival hyperplasia and the infiltration of interleukin 17A (IL-17A) positive cells. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were employed to determine the localization and expression of IL-17A in the ligature induced periodontitis model. A pre-existing single-cell RNA sequencing dataset, comparing individuals affected by periodontitis with healthy counterparts, was reanalyzed to evaluate IL-17A expression levels. We examined proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), Yes-associated protein (YAP), and c-JUN, in the gingival and tongue epithelium of the periodontitis model. An anti-IL-17A agent was administered daily to observe proliferative changes in the oral mucosa within the periodontitis model. Cell number quantification, immunofluorescence, and western blot analyses were performed to assess the proliferative responses of human normal oral keratinocytes to IL-17A treatment in vitro. The ligature induced periodontitis model exhibited a marked infiltration of IL-17A-positive cells, alongside significant increase in thickness of the gingival and tongue epithelium. IL-17A triggers the proliferation of human normal oral keratinocytes, accompanied by upregulation of PCNA, STAT3, YAP, and c-JUN. The administration of an anti-IL-17A agent attenuated the proliferation in oral mucosa. These findings indicate that type 17 immune response, in response to periodontitis, facilitates the proliferation of oral epithelial cells, thus highlighting its crucial role in maintaining the oral epithelial barrier. •Type 17 immune cell correlates with oral epithelial hyperproliferation.•IL-17A triggers the proliferation of human oral keratinocytes in vitro.•IL-17A regulates STAT3, YAP and c-JUN activation in oral keratinocytes.•Blockade of IL-17A attenuates proliferation in oral epithelium.