Commensal microbes, airborne antigens/allergens, and food are all initially encountered in the oral cavity before entering into the gastrointestinal and often respiratory tracts. Similar to other mucosal sites, the local immune system is important for host defense in the oral mucosa. As an undergraduate, we reported the involvement of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS)1 in the augmenting effect of endotoxin shock by Muramyl Dipeptide (MDP), the minimal active structure of peptidoglycan. Furthermore, we studied the effects of bisphosphonates (bone resorption inhibitors) on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses via macrophages. My post-graduate research interests include studying the mechanism by which saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid, induce chronic inflammation in salivary glands and periodontal tissues through the innate immune system. In a recent study, we reported that proteins produced by salivary and lacrimal gland epithelial cells and senescence-associated CD4-positive T cells play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of dry mouth and dry eye. In this review, I summarize the research I have conducted until now.
