Abstract
Epithelial cells of the ocular surface are key in the first-line defense as a part of the mucosal immune system against pathogens. We investigated whether polyI:C induces the production by human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) of pro-inflammatory cytokines and IFN-beta, and whether Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 expression is amplified by polyI:C. TLR3 was expressed on the surface of HCEC. Stimulation with polyI:C elicited the elevated production and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HCEC. While polyI:C induced IFN-beta, far stronger than human fibroblasts, and TLR3 gene expression in HCEC, LPS stimulation did not. Similarly, polyI:C, but not LPS, induced the gene expression of IkappaBalpha and MAIL, members of the IkappaB family, in HCEC. The innate immune response of HCEC is distinct from that of immune-competent cells, and we suggest that this is indicative of the symbiotic relationship between corneal epithelium and microbes inhabiting the ocular surface.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Cells, Cultured
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Cytokines / biosynthesis*
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Epithelial Cells / drug effects
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Epithelial Cells / immunology
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Epithelium, Corneal / cytology
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Epithelium, Corneal / immunology*
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Gene Expression / drug effects
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Humans
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I-kappa B Proteins / biosynthesis
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Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
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Interferon-beta / biosynthesis
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Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
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Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
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NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
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Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis
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Poly I-C / pharmacology*
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
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Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
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Toll-Like Receptor 3
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Toll-Like Receptors
Substances
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Cytokines
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I-kappa B Proteins
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Inflammation Mediators
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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NFKBIA protein, human
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NFKBIZ protein, human
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Nuclear Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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TLR3 protein, human
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Toll-Like Receptor 3
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Toll-Like Receptors
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NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
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Interferon-beta
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Poly I-C