Background and Aims: Several studies have shown that there is greater number of viruses in deep periodontal pockets than in normal gingival sulcus. We also know that virus may have an important role in induction of Il-1β secretion by different human cells. In this study we intended to determine the capacity of Herpes simplex virus type 1 to stimulate Il-1β secretion in human gingival keratinocytes.

Materials and Methods: primary gingival keratinocytes were obtained from samples extracted during crown lengthening surgical procedure. The cells were cultured in 24 well flasks and stimulated by one of these stimulants: LPS, HSV1, LPS+HSV1 and LPS+ATP. After incubation and collecting the supernatants, the amount of secreted Il-1β was measured by ELISA technique.

Results: none of the stimulants were able to cause significant amount of Il-1β secretion in any of the incubation times.  

Conclusion: It seems that HSV1 does not have the capacity to induct IL-1β secretion as a single factor alone or in combination with bacterial LPS.