FIG. 7.

Inhibition of migration and proliferation of epithelial cells by MVs. Confluent layers of HeLa and IHGE cells were scratched with a plastic tip, then incubated with wild-type and gingipain-null MVs at 37°C for 2 h in serum-free medium. Next, the cells were washed twice and allowed to proliferate at 37°C for 12 or 24 h in serum-containing medium, during which time they migrated to fill the scratched areas. The rates of wound closure were determined from assays performed in triplicate on three separate occasions (n = 9) and are shown beneath the images. *, P < 0.05.