CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) plays a pivotal role in the recruitment of Th17 cells and thus in the development of periodontal disease. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), the major catechins in green tea, have multiple beneficial effects, but the effects of catechins on CCL20 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are not known. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which EGCG and ECG inhibit interleukin (IL)-17A-induced CCL20 production in human gingival fibroblasts. IL-17A increased CCL20 production in HGFs in a concentration-dependent manner. EGCG and ECG prevented IL-17A-mediated CCL20 production in HGFs. Inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) decreased IL-17A-induced CCL20 production. EGCG and ECG prevented IL-17A-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK in HGFs. In addition, EGCG and ECG attenuated IL-17 receptor expression on HGFs. These data provide a novel mechanism through which the green tea flavonoids catechins could be used to provide direct benefits in periodontal disease.
2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.