Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles (Pg-OMVs)

Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles (Pg-OMVs) are specialized, spherical nanostructures (50–250 nm) secreted by the Gram-negative keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. They serve as concentrated delivery vehicles for a broad spectrum of virulence factors, including proteolytic enzymes (gingipains), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), fimbriae, and small RNAs (msRNAs), allowing these factors to disseminate systemically and access tissues inaccessible to the parent bacteria. Pg-OMVs play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis by modulating host immune responses, inducing tissue destruction, and promoting biofilm stability. Beyond the oral cavity, they are implicated in systemic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, where they can cross the blood-brain barrier to trigger neuroinflammation and proteinopathy, and cardiovascular disease via the promotion of atherosclerosis. Therapeutic interventions targeting Pg-OMVs primarily involve small-molecule inhibitors that neutralize the activity of encapsulated gingipains or disrupt the biogenesis and adherence of the vesicles to host cells.

Other names

P. gingivalis outer membrane vesiclesPg-OMVsPorphyromonas gingivalis OMVsP.g-OMVsBacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) of P. gingivalis