Host–Microbiota Interactions in Periodontal Disease: Pathogenic Invasion, Immune Evasion, and Commensal Defense
A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 567
Special Issue Editors
Interests: Porphyromonas gingivalis; oral biofilms; bacterial invasion; host defense; vaping
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most widespread chronic inflammatory conditions worldwide and has significant implications that extend beyond the oral cavity. A growing body of research links PD with systemic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s disease.
Central to these associations is the intricate balance between the host and the oral microbiota. Disruption of this equilibrium can enable pathogenic species such as Porphyromonas gingivalis to dominate, driving tissue destruction, evading immune responses, and contributing to disease progression. In contrast, commensal microbes may provide protective functions, supporting host defense against pathogenic invasion. How these opposing forces interact and how external influences such as smoking or vaping may further alter this dynamic remains an important and evolving area of research.
This Special Issue of Pathogens welcomes submissions that advance our understanding of host–microbiota interactions in the context of periodontal disease. We invite original research articles, reviews, and short communications addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Mechanisms of pathogen invasion and immune evasion in PD;
- Protective roles of commensal microbes in maintaining oral health;
- Molecular and cellular aspects of host–pathogen interactions;
- External factors (e.g., smoking, vaping) influencing oral microbiota and host immunity;
- Novel diagnostic, preventive, or therapeutic strategies targeting host–microbiota balance.
By integrating diverse perspectives, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the microbial and host factors that shape periodontal and systemic health, while highlighting innovative approaches for prevention and treatment.
Dr. Giancarlo A. Cuadra
Prof. Dr. Dominic L. Palazzolo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- oral commensal streptococci
- oral pathogens
- oral epithelial tissues
- pathogenic invasion
- host defense
- immune evasion
- periodontal disease
- external factors associated with periodontal disease
- therapeutic strategies for periodontal disease
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
