Human cationic antibacterial protein CAP18/LL-37 exhibits bactericidal and various immunobiological activities. The constitutive
expression of CAP18/LL-37 in oral epithelial cells was demonstrated, and that CAP18/LL-37 activated human gingival fibroblasts
to enhance production of hepatocyte growth factor, which has been shown to exert multiple biological activities. These findings
might be related to restoration and regeneration of periodontal tissues.
Key words CAP18/LL-37 - hepatocyte growth factor - oral epithelial cells - gingival fibroblasts - innate immunity