Abstract: Objective To detect the expression of D-E-A-D-box polypeptide 41 (DDX41) in human dental pulp tissues and cells.
Methods The mRNA and protein expressions of DDX41 in human dental pulp cells were detected by RT-PCR and
immunocytochemistry, and the expression of DDX41 in human dental pulp tissues was investigated by
immunohistochemistry. Results Strong expressions of DDX41 mRNA and protein were detected in dental pulp cells. In dental
pulp tissues, DDX41 was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of odontoblasts. Conclusion DDX41/STING-dependent
TBK1-IRF3-IFN-β signaling pathway may play a role in innate immune responses of the dental pulp to caries and pulpitis.