What organism can modify host epithelial cell responses by upregulating the host transcription factor ZEB2 which controls host inflammatory responses?

• A. Streptococcus mutans
• B. Actinomyces naeslundii
• C. P. gingivalis
• D. Fusobacterium nucleatum

Answer: (C)

Pathogens can drive changes in host epithelial signaling to shape the inflammatory environment. Porphyromonas gingivalis is known to reprogram gingival epithelial cells in this way by boosting the host transcription factor ZEB2. ZEB2 influences epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition–like changes and modulates the expression of inflammatory mediators, so its upregulation by P. gingivalis can tilt the epithelial response toward a pro-inflammatory state and altered barrier function. This mechanism helps explain how P. gingivalis promotes chronic inflammation and tissue destruction characteristic of periodontal disease. The other organisms are associated with caries or general biofilm formation and do not have this specific effect on ZEB2 upregulation in host epithelium.