Abstract: Gingival epithelial cells dose not provide a physical barrier to infection, it also has an active role in innate host defense. For example epithelial cell can transfer signals through cell surface receptor, produce and release antimcrobial peptides, proteinase, cytokines and etc. In order to strengthen the understanding of the defense mechanism of gingival epithelium, this article makes a summary on the relationship of gingival epithelial cells with the Toll- like receptor, antimcrobial peptides, cytokines and proteinase.