Innate and adaptive immunity of periodontal disease. From etiology to alveolar bone loss

Periodontal disease refers to inflammation of the tissues that support the tooth. It is of multifactorial etiology. Innate and adaptive immune cells participate jointly through the release of their molecules and mechanisms of action in order to maintain homeostasis in periodontal tissues, so the host's immune response plays an essential role in defense against microorganisms. However, bacterial persistence and the dysregulation of the immune system as an exaggerated response can lead to the worsening of periodontal disease, leading to loss of gingival tissue and alveolar bone and thereby loss of teeth. Therefore, a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of periodontal disease is necessary to design new treatments and prophylactic measures in order to decrease the prevalence of this disease that afflicts a large part of the world population.