ABSTRACT The oral microbiome comprises several hundreds of bacterial species that contribute to periodontitis, the most complex polymicrobial inflammatory disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a prominent periodontitis pathogen that produces gingipains as a major virulent factor. Gingipain facilitates P. gingivalis survival, pathogenicity, and growth. Several genes were identified to have a role in the regulating of P. gingivalis pathogenesis. Studies suggest that gingipains inhibition is key for the successful treatment of periodontitis. As of now, several gingipain inhibitors have been developed, some exhibit high inhibition activity against gingipains. However, most inhibitors offer unknown toxicity and undesirable side effects. Hence, the development of highly potent and safe gingipain inhibitor is a major concern for periodontitis treatment. The present review highlights the connectivity between P. gingivalis, virulent factors, and its gene, periodontitis, and gingipain inhibitors. Development of gingipains inhibitors would not only treat periodontitis but would also assist in the treatment of other associated systemic diseases, for example: rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Porphyromonas gingivalis--pathogenicity ; Gingipain Cysteine Endopeptidases