Mineral encapsulation of microorganisms in calcified oral biofilms: implications for immune dysregulation and vascular calcification
Jayalaxmi Shetty, Nishmitha N. Hegde, Mithra N. Hegde · 2026
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Description
Jayalaxmi Shetty and coauthors propose in 2026 that mineralized mouth biofilms act as armored reservoirs that disturb immunity far beyond the mouth. Dental plaque gathers calcium and phosphate until microbes become sealed inside mineral-protein shells. Such shells could shield bacteria from immune attack while letting mineral particles travel through the body.
The authors review how hydroxyapatite crystals alter macrophage behavior, blunting antigen display and sustaining low-grade inflammation. Protein-coated mineral particles in blood may also disturb vessel lining cells and clotting balance, feeding vessel calcification. The hypothesis links oral hygiene to systemic vascular disease through a concrete mechanism.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Jayalaxmi Shetty, Nishmitha N. Hegde, Mithra N. Hegde |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 16 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |