"Neutrophils -" An Offender or Defender

Neutrophils and macrophages are critical for host defense against bacterial infection. When phagocytic cell number or function is compromised, disease progression and severity are markedly increased. Periodontal disease is a common thread associated with altered phagocyte response. There is a strong relationship between altered PMN activity and localized aggressive periodontitis. Altered neutrophil function is an attractive model system for understanding of periodontal pathology in LJP. Cells of the monocyte / macrophage lineage have a pivotal role in the control of infection and wound repair. Elucidating the role of monocytes in the resolution of inflammation is crucial for our understanding of periodontal disease.In summary, while a large body of data involved in neutrophil dysfunction, either intrinsic or acquired, as a significant risk factor for periodontal disease, clear, prospective, longitudinal epidemiological studies to evaluate this association remain to be performed for understanding the role of phagocytic cells in the progression of infectious diseases.