Journal of Endodontics
Volume 33, Issue 6 , Pages 643-651, June 2007

Innate Immune Responses of the Dental Pulp to Caries

  • Chin-Lo Hahn, MS, PhD, DDS
    • ,
  • Frederick R. Liewehr, DDS, MS

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to Dr. Frederick R. Liewehr, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 520 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0566.

published online 09 March 2007.

Abstract 

Various cells and inflammatory mediators are involved in the initial pulpal responses to caries. This review focuses on the cellular, neuronal, and vascular components of pulpal innate responses to caries. Discussion will include dentinal fluid, odontoblasts, neuropeptides, and neurogenic inflammation, which are not classic immune components but actively participate in the inflammatory response as the caries progress pulpally. Summaries of innate immune cells as well as their cytokines and chemokines in healthy and reversible pulpitis tissues are presented.

Key Words: Caries, dental pulp, innate

 

PII: S0099-2399(07)00003-9

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2007.01.001

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 33, Issue 6 , Pages 643-651, June 2007