Abstract
There are numerous defense proteins present in the saliva. Although some of these molecules are present in rather low concentrations, their effects are additive and/or synergistic, resulting in an efficient molecular defense network of the oral cavity. Moreover, local concentrations of these proteins near the mucosal surfaces (mucosal transudate), periodontal sulcus (gingival crevicular fluid) and oral wounds and ulcers (transudate) may be much greater, and in many cases reinforced by immune and/or inflammatory reactions of the oral mucosa. Some defense proteins, like salivary immunoglobulins and salivary chaperokine HSP70/HSPAs (70 kDa heat shock proteins), are involved in both innate and acquired immunity. Cationic peptides and other defense proteins like lysozyme, bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI), BPI-like proteins, PLUNC (palate lung and nasal epithelial clone) proteins, salivary amylase, cystatins, prolin-rich proteins, mucins, peroxidases, statherin and others are primarily responsible for innate immunity. In this paper, this complex system and function of the salivary defense proteins will be reviewed.
Highlights
Whole saliva is a major determinant of the environment on all the oral surfaces
On tooth surfaces saliva plays an important role in acquired pellicle formation, which is a thin layer of several salivary proteins with calcium hydroxide binding properties [1,2]
Saliva plays an important role in acquired pellicle formation, which in turn plays a major role in crystal growth homeostasis and physico-chemical defense of the teeth [1,2] as well as in bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces which may lead to caries formation and periodontal inflammation [1,2]
Summary
Saliva is a body fluid, secreted by three pairs of major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual) and by many of minor salivary glands [1,2]. Ductal saliva of several salivary glands are blended, and supplemented with many constituents that originate from intact or destroyed mucosal cells, immune cells, and oral microorganism [1,2]. On tooth surfaces saliva plays an important role in acquired pellicle formation, which is a thin Acquired pellicle plays a major role in bacterial adhesion (and colonization) on tooth surfaces which may disadvantageously lead to caries formation and periodontal inflammation (especially in the absence of proper oral hygiene) [1,2]. Besides defense of tooth surfaces, saliva plays an important role in physico-chemical as well as immune defense of the oral (and upper gastro intestinal) mucosal surfaces (via both direct antimicrobial action, as well as agglutination or surface exclusion of microbes). Saliva plays important role in the healing of several mucosal lesions, wounds and ulcers as well [1,2]
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