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Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
Toll-like receptors in tonsillar epithelial cells
Margaret J Lange1, John C Lasiter, Michael L Misfeldt
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in human tonsillar epithelial cells, suggesting a key role in the innate immune response. This study investigated TLR expression and function in tonsillar epithelial cells and primary tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Waldeyer's ring, including palatine tonsils, contacts inhaled/ingested materials.
- Tonsillar epithelium has protective and antigen-sampling roles.
- Innate immune system's role in tonsils is understudied, despite epithelial cell importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the expression and function of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in tonsillar epithelial cells.
- Examine TLRs in tonsillar epithelial cell lines (UT-SCC-60A, UT-SCC-60B).
- Assess TLR expression in primary human tonsillar epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized endpoint and real-time RT-PCR for TLR mRNA expression.
- Employed flow cytometry for TLR protein analysis.
- Stimulated cells with TLR ligands and measured cytokine secretion.
Main Results:
- Tonsillar epithelial cell lines (UT-SCC-60A, UT-SCC-60B) express TLR mRNA and protein.
- TLR2 and TLR3 were functional in these cell lines, responding to specific ligands.
- Primary tonsillar epithelial cells also express TLRs.
Conclusions:
- Toll-like receptors are present in human tonsillar epithelial cells.
- TLRs likely play a significant role in the immune responses within tonsillar tissues.
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