Characterisation of potential virulence factors secreted by the type 9 secretion system of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Summary Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease causing the destruction of the supporting gum and bone of teeth.

Project Details

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is the major agent of this disease and is also associated with other diseases/conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight and pre-eclampsia), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This emphasizes the importance of Pg host dissemination, immune evasion, immune modulatory tactics and Pg-induced inflammation. Pg possesses a type 9 secretion system (T9SS) which secretes abundant gingipain proteases that are involved in this disease process. Many other proteins are secreted by this T9SS but their functions are unknown. Recent structural analyses have predicted virulence functions for several of these T9SS substrates. The honours projects on offer will characterize these candidate virulence factors to further our understanding of the arsenal of virulence factors that P. gingivalis deploys and to identify potential vaccine candidates.