The Molecular Basis for Neutrophil Dysfunction in Early‐Onset Periodontitis

In recent years, much debate has surrounded the neutrophil defects associated with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). Controversy exists on the existence of the defect itself, its genetic nature, and the molecular entities and mechanisms which may be involved in such defects and subsequent biological phenomena. This review attempts to summarize neutrophil functions and their role in periodontal diseases, as well as the observed neutrophil defects reported for LJP. J Periodontol 1996;67:345-354.