Protein Citrullination: The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis?

Autoimmunity to citrullinated proteins is very specific for rheumatoid arthritis and is considered to be of pathogenic significance. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen in gum disease (periodontitis), is hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by its unique ability to citrullinate endogenous and host proteins. The immune system in patients with a periodontal infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis is exposed to citrullinated antigens that might become systemic immunogens, eventually leading to rheumatoid arthritis.