Periodontal Vaccine- A Shot in the Arm!

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are immune inflammatory responses induced by dental plaque in which microorganisms harboured within a susceptible periodontium contributes to tissue destruction, bone loss and eventually tooth loss. The etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease is multifactorial which includes host associated factors, genetic factors, immune system dysfunction and environmental factors. Existing treatment modalities have resulted only in arresting the disease progression but have not cured the disease completely, nor do they avert the recurrence. Hence there is a need for therapeutic modalities which may include vaccines targeting periodontal pathogens. Vaccination is induction of immunity by injecting a dead or attenuated form of pathogen. Till date, no pre-emptive modality exists for periodontal disease, the availability of periodontal vaccine would prevent the progression of periodontal diseases. The aim of this review article is to confer the various approaches associated with periodontal vaccine.