Porphyromonas gingivalis suppresses interferon signaling

Interferon signaling is a critical defense mechanism in host cells against intracellular pathogens. In macrophages, interferon-gamma stimulates the expression of numerous genes to enhance bactericidal activity. However, how Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key periodontal pathogen, evades this immune response remains unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms by which P. gingivalis suppresses interferon signaling in macrophages, focusing on STAT1, a vital interferon transcription factor. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that P. gingivalis infection suppressed nearly half of the interferon-gamma-induced genes, including STAT1.