Methods of modulating cell surface receptors to prevent or reduce inflammation

摘要

The invention includes a method of distinguishing among oral bacteria species to determine whether a species is orally deleterious. Such method includes contacting at least one bacterium or portion of a bacterium of a species of oral bacteria a gingival cell; and detecting the presence of an indicator compound. The substantial absence of an indicator material signifies that the species of bacteria is not a deleterious species. Also included within the scope of the invention are methods for determining the anti-inflammatory effect of an agent. Such methods include contacting the cell with the agent in the presence of a deleterious bacterium or portion of such bacterium and detecting the presence of an indicator compound. The substantial absence of an indicator material signifies that agent is an anti-inflammatory agent.