[A PhD completed. Neutrophils in the oral cavity. A double-edged sword.].

Neutrophils are white blood cells known for their ability to ingest and kill micro-organisms. In this doctoral research, oral neutrophils and their functionality are characterised . Research was carried out on how oral neutrophils can contribute to a healthy oral cavity and what the role of these cells is in inflammation. During the development of gingivitis, specific genes coding for neutrophil functions are activated. In addition, neutrophils are shown to have a modulating and communicating role in attracting other components of the immune system. In particular, patients who still have their own teeth were shown to have more functional neutrophils compared with edentulous patients.