Impact of Protein Citrullination by Periodontal Pathobionts on Oral and
Systemic Health: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Abstract
This review synthesizes the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis
(Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
(A.a) in modulating immune responses through citrullination and
assesses its impact on periodontitis and systemic conditions. A
systematic review was conducted on preclinical and clinical studies
focusing on Pg- and A.a-induced citrullination and its
effects on immune responses, particularly inflammatory pathways and on
systemic diseases. The search included PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar,
Web of Science, and gray literature. Quality and risk of bias were
assessed using OHAT Rob Toll and QUIN-Tool. The review is registered in
PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024579352). 18 articles published up to August 2024
were included. Findings show that Pg and A.a
citrullination modulates immune responses, leading to neutrophil
dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Key mechanisms include
citrullination of antimicrobial peptides, CXCL10, histone H3, α-enolase,
and C5a, impairing neutrophil activation and promoting NET formation.
This review suggests that Pg and A.a citrullination
modulates immune responses and may influence periodontitis and systemic
conditions like RA. Beyond ACPA production, these pathogens affect key
proteins such as H3, C5a, and CXCL10, as well as antimicrobial peptides,
NET formation, and phagocytosis. These interactions lead to neutrophil
dysfunction and potentially affect other cells, subsequently disrupting
local and systemic inflammatory responses.