<i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> 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 <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>, a key periodontal pathogen, evades this immune response remains unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms by which <i>P. gingivalis</i> suppresses interferon signaling in macrophages, focusing on STAT1, a vital interferon transcription factor. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that <i>P. gingivalis</i> infection suppressed nearly half of the interferon-gamma-induced genes, including STAT1.