Arginine metabolism as a mutualistic strategy in the interaction between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Filifactor alocis

Nature Communications, Published online: 08 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-77383-6 Complex microbial communities are often shaped by cooperation. Here, the authors show that high arginine levels suppress the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, while Filifactor alocis helps it persist by breaking down arginine, revealing a metabolic partnership.