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 9
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
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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
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