Human gingival epithelial cells stimulate proliferation, migration, and tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the response of gingival epithelial cells to microbial and inflammatory signals.

Background: The gingival epithelial barrier provides the first line of defense and supports tissue homeostasis by maintaining the cross-talk between gingival epithelium, oral microbiota, and immune cells. Lymphatic vessels are essential to sustaining this homeostasis.