Summary
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a cationic serine protease inhibitor
with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties found in large quantities in
mucosal fluids, including saliva. SLPI is expressed during cutaneous wound healing,
however, its role in oral wound repair is unknown. We have used a novel approach involving
a murine buccal mucosal acute wound model to investigate the role of SLPI in oral
healing. In parallel to the observed cutaneous healing phenotype, an absence of SLPI
results in markedly impaired oral wound healing associated with increased inflammation
and raised elastase activity. Moreover, matrix deposition was decreased, while MMP
activity was enhanced in the oral SLPI null wounds suggesting deregulated proteolysis.
Intriguingly, regardless of genotype, reduced collagen deposition was observed in
oral compared to dermal wounds, associated with reduced TGF-β expression and decreased
fibroblast collagen expression in vitro. We propose that SLPI is a pivotal endogenous factor necessary for optimal tissue
repair including intra-oral wound healing. In addition, our model provides a unique
opportunity to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the differences
between dermal scarring and oral scar-free healing.
Keywords
Wound healing - oral - mucosa - cutaneous - inflammation - SLPI