Ephrin B2 is involved in Porphyromonas gingivalis infection-enhanced adhesion of THP-1 to human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Abstract

To investigate the mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection-mediated enhancement of adhesion between monocytes THP-1 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by detecting the effect of erythropoietin producing hepatomocellular receptor interacting protein B2 (Ephrin B2) and its receptors on the adhesion. PgATCC33277 was cultured in an anaerobic jar, and THP-1 cells were infected with various concentrations of Pg at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1:100 for 8 and 24 h, respectively. The expression of Ephrin B2 receptor of THP-1 cells was detected. After removal of the free Pg, THP-1 cells were cocultured with HUVEC (overexpress of EphrinB2 or not) for 24 h to detect the expression of Ephrin B2 of HUVEC cells after additional cultivation for 23 h. The adhesion of THP-1 cells post infection by Pg to HUVEC was enhanced. The mRNA levels of Ephrin B2 receptors, including EphB3 (5.169±0.152, P = 0.005), EphB4 (11.040±1.195, P = 0.001), and EphA4 (4.976± 0.122, P = 0.001) expressed by THP-1, and Ephrin B2 (8.938±0.962, P = 0.008) expressed by HUVEC were significantly elevated 24 h post infection of Pg. Over expression of Ephrin B2 in HUVEC promoted the adhesion of THP-1 to HUVEC. Ephrin B2 and its receptors are involved in Pg infection mediated enhancement of the adhesion of THP-1 to HUVEC cells, suggesting that Ephrin B2 participates in the development of atherosclerosis.