Synergistic effects of <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> biofilms on epithelial barrier function in a 3D aspiration pneumonia model.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Polymicrobial infections involving Candida albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis represent a significant challenge in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity. This study explores their synergistic effects on epithelial cells using an air-liquid interface (ALI) model.

Methods

Mixed-species biofilms were developed and analyzed for their impact on epithelial permeability and tight junction proteins. The effects of biofilm supernatants on IL-8 secretion and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. The role of P. gingivalis proteases was assessed using a gingipain-null mutant (ΔKΔRAB) compared to the wild-type strain (W83). Survival experiments were conducted using Galleria mellonella larvae to examine the pathogenicity of dual-speci

SUBMITTER: Wronowska E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925950 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature