Cytokine production induced by non-encapsulated and encapsulated Porphyromonas gingivalis strains

Our findings suggest that the encapsulated P. gingivalis K1 bacteria induce higher cytokine production than the non-encapsulated P. gingivalis K−. This was not due to its LPS. The stronger induction of cytokines may contribute to the higher virulence of P. gingivalis K1.