Osteopontin in the response to endodontic infection

Abstract

Osteopontin is a secreted phosphorylated protein with pleiotropic func- tions in cancer and inflammation. In a mouse model of endodontic infection, the protective effect of OPN is similar in magnitude to that of IL-10, and appears to involve the innate immune response. In the absence of OPN, there is an alteration in the neutrophil/macrophage ratio in infected tissues, suggesting that OPN regulates the accumulation of innate immune cells. This effect of OPN could be through the regulation of migration of both neutrophils and macrophages and/or through regu- lating some aspects of macrophage function.