Interferon activated gene 204 (Ifi204) protects against bone loss in experimental periodontitis

Background Periodontal destruction can be the result of different known and yet-to-be-discovered biological pathways. Recent human genetic association studies have implicated interferon-gamma inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) with high periodontal interleukin (IL)-1 beta levels and more destructive disease, but mechanistic evidence is lacking. Here, we sought to experimentally validate these observational associations and better understand IFI16 and AIM2's roles in periodontitis. Methods Periodontitis was induced in Ifi204(-/-) (IFI16 murine homolog) and Aim2(-/-) mice using the ligature model. Chimeric mice were created to identify the main source cells of Ifi204 in the periodontium. IFI16-silenced human endothelial cells were treated with periodontal pathogens in vitro. Periodontal tissues from Ifi204(-/-) mice were evaluated for alveolar bone (micro-CT), cell inflammatory infiltration (MPO+ staining), Il1b (qRT-PCR), and osteoclast numbers (cathepsin K+ staining). Results Ifi204-deficient mice> exhibited >20% higher alveolar bone loss than wild-type (WT) (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in Aim2(-/-) mice. Ifi204's effect on bone loss was primarily mediated by a nonbone marrow source and was independent of Aim2. Ifi204-deficient mice had greater neutrophil/macrophage trafficking into gingival tissues regardless of periodontitis development compared to WT. In human endothelial cells, IFI16 decreased the chemokine response to periodontal pathogens. In murine periodontitis, Ifi204 depletion elevated gingival Il1b and increased osteoclast numbers at diseased sites (P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings support IFI16's role as a novel regulator of inflammatory cell trafficking to the periodontium that protects against bone loss and offers potential targets for the development of new periodontal disease biomarkers and therapeutics.