GroEL triggers NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the TLR/NF-κB p-p65 axis in human periodontal ligament stem cells

• GroEL from oral pathogens activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human periodontal ligament stem cells, leading to IL-1β and IL-18 secretion and ECM degradation via MMP-2/9. • The activation is dependent on TLR2 and TLR4, which upregulate NF-κB (p-p65) signaling and nuclear accumulation. • In vivo rat model confirms that GroEL injection induces similar inflammatory responses, validating the in vitro findings. • This study identifies GroEL as a key virulence factor in periodontitis pathogenesis and suggests potential therapeutic targets (TLR/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis) for prevention.