Bradykinin promotes TLR2 expression in human gingival fibroblasts

Bradykinin (BK) is implicated in the sensation of pain, vasodilation, increases in vascular permeability and pathogenic processes associated with inflammation. Studies have shown that BK promotes the intracellular movement of calcium in human gingival fibroblasts by binding to the B2 receptor. In this study we investigated the effect of BK on regulation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression. Our results show that BK stimulates TLR2 receptor transcription and translation by activation of protein kinase C as well as AKT. Our study contributes important information on the regulation and expression of molecules that promote chronic inflammatory processes, which lead to periodontitis and consequently to loss of the dental organ.

► Bradykinin promotes the expression of TLR2 in gingival fibroblasts. ► The regulation of expression is at the translational and transcripcional level. ► PKC is involved in TLR2 expression induced by Bradykinin.