Saliva induces expression of antimicrobial peptides and promotes intracellular killing of bacteria in keratinocytes by epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation
Background: Wounds in the oral cavity, constantly exposed to both saliva and bacteria, heal quickly without infection. Furthermore, during licking of skin wounds, saliva promotes wound healing and plays a role in keeping the wound free of infection. Objectives: To investigate whether saliva induces expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in human epidermal keratinocytes and whether saliva prom
