TNFSF11 and periodontitis: 1) Effector and memory T lymphocytes are the main human cell populations present in this model. Method of choice for the analysis of CD3+ T lymphocytes.• T lymphocytes, particularly Th17 lymphocytes, have a vital role during oral mucosal immune surveillance and periodontitis immune response, by producing IL-17A, chemoattracting neutrophils, and promoting RANKL upregulation.