Microbiota-host interactions: key mechanisms linking periodontitis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity, characterized by progressive destruction of periodontal supporting tissues. Its pathogenesis involves complex interactions between the oral microbiota and host immune responses. This condition not only severely impacts oral health but is also closely associated with multiple systemic diseases. In recent years, the link between periodontitis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has garnered increasing attention. This review examines the compositional characteristics of the oral microbiota in patients with SLE and the epidemiological evidence linking periodontitis to SLE. It focuses on how periodontitis may trigger or exacerbate SLE’s autoimmune responses through the oral microbiota, via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, cytokine-mediated immune activation, and microbial translocation, while elucidating the underlying pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms. Furthermore, this paper aims to explore potential prevention and treatment strategies based on oral microbial interventions, to provide novel insights and theoretical foundations for adjunctive therapy and disease management in SLE.