Matrix Stiffness Governs Fibroblast-Driven Immune Homeostasis in Gingival Tissues.

ABSTRACT: Periodontal disease is associated with inflamed gingival tissues and degradation of the gingival extracellular matrix (ECM), yet the role of mechanical cues is poorly understood. Gingival ECM in periodontal disease showed a loss of fibrillar collagen compared to healthy samples. We hypothesized that ECM softening in periodontal disease contributes to inflammation due to dysregulated gingival fibroblasts (GFs). A mechanically tunable hydrogel model of the gingival ECM was developed to investigate the mechano-immune crosstalk. Stiff collagen-alginate hydrogels matched the rheological properties of gingival biopsies. Human donor GFs encapsulated in these stiff hydrogels showed significantly suppressed toll-like receptor inflammatory responses compared to soft. Stiffness-dependent inflammatory

SUBMITTER: Makkar H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12633271 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature