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Candida-induced oral epithelial cell responses
E A Lilly1, J E Leigh, S H Joseph
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Mycopathologia
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Oral epithelial cells from HIV(+) individuals produce low levels of cytokines in response to Candida albicans. Cytokines do not appear to enhance the anti-Candida activity of these cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common oral infection in HIV(+) individuals.
- Oral epithelial cells play a role in innate immunity against OPC by producing cytokines and inhibiting Candida growth.
- Understanding the interaction between oral epithelial cells, Candida albicans, and cytokines in HIV(+) persons is crucial for managing OPC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if oral epithelial cells from HIV(+) persons, with or without OPC, produce cytokines when exposed to Candida albicans.
- To determine if cytokines influence the anti-Candida activity of oral epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Oral epithelial cells from HIV(+) individuals (with and without OPC) were cultured with Candida albicans.
- Supernatants were analyzed for cytokine levels using ELISA.
- Cytokines were added to growth inhibition assays using oral epithelial cells from HIV(-) individuals.
Main Results:
- Oral epithelial cells from HIV(+) persons showed low cytokine production in response to Candida.
- Individuals with OPC had elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 compared to those without OPC.
- Added cytokines did not affect the anti-Candida activity of oral epithelial cells from HIV(-) persons.
Conclusions:
- Oral epithelial cells from HIV(+) persons contribute to the oral cytokine environment during OPC.
- Cytokines do not appear to modulate the intrinsic anti-Candida activity of oral epithelial cells.