The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a potent inducer of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, and can desensitize immune cells in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the ability of Pg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxin tolerance. Treatment of dendritic cells ( DC), the human macrophage cell line THP-1, and monocytes (antigen-presenting cells, APC) with Pg. LPS inhibited APC maturation assessed by CD80 and CD86 expression, and inhibited chemokine (CCL3 and CCL5) production. Pre-treatment with glucocorticoids ( GC) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) abolished the effect of Pg. LPS on CD80, CD83, and CD86, and on CCL3 and CCL5 production. We also showed that Pg. LPS enhanced the tolerogenic properties of APCs and up-regulated ILT-3 and B7-H1 expression.