1) Evaluate the expression of anti-viral proteins ; MxA, and other anti-viral molecules such as secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), protein kinase R (PKR), and OAS/RNASE L in healthy oral mucosa, periodontitis and OLP (N=10 from each group).
2) In vitro model: testing the effect of antimicrobial peptides (alpha and beta defensins, and cathelicidin), especially from PMN on anti-viral protein expression of primary oral epithelial cells.
3) The function of inducible anti-viral proteins in anti-microbial peptide-treated oral epithelial cells will be evaluated by protection using DNA virus (HSV) and RNA virus (H5N1) as a model.
