Matrix metalloproteinase and cytokine profiles from cell co-cultures and their role in oral inflammation and head and neck cancer

In the oral cavity, there are cell signals and enzymes, called cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which contribute to the development and progression of inflammatory diseases like periodontal disease and head and neck cancer. However, there has been very little research focused on characterizing the MMP responses of multiple cell types from the oral cavity when grown together or grown singly. Cells grown alone do not receive signals from other cells as they do in the natural host environment, and the results from these single cell studies are often not representative of the host response. Accordingly, studies involving multiple cell types grown together are needed to better represent the host response and responses seen in clinical situation. Therefore, we have developed multiple cell type 3D systems to study periodontal disease and head and neck cancer. Unlike standard systems where cells are grown alone, this system allows different cell types to communicate with one another because the cells are grown together rather than separately so we can observe their effect on each other. We have also developed computational models that can mimic cell responses using these multiple cell type 3D systems, which can be used to identify the most effective treatment for an individual patients’ cancer. Studying MMP and cytokine production in this type of system will provide new insights on periodontal disease and head and neck cancer.