Potential targets of phytochemical immunomodulatory therapy in periodontitis immunopathogenesis: A narrative review

Introduction: Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent diseases occurring worldwide, and is caused by an imbalance of host immunological defenses and microbiome profile which occurs in the oral cavity. This imbalance leads to irregularity and uncontrolled activities of immune cells, resulting in over-reactivity of periodontopathogens and tissue destruction. To alleviate periodontitis, exact targeting of specific events involving particular cells could be a potential application of immunomodulatory agents. Phytochemical drug development targeting specific immunopathogenesis events could be a promising complementary, alternative approach to periodontal therapy. Objectives: This review aimed to explore various events involving a variety of cells in the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis in order to determine potential specific immunomodulation targets for future development of effective phytochemical drugs. Results: Immunopathogenesis of periodontitis contributes significantly to the disease onset and resolut