Relationship between Otitis Media and Epithelial Function in the Lymphoepithelium of Pediatric Adenoids

Nose- or nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) has a unique role that is distinct from that of other lymphoid tissues. During upper airway mucosal immune response, NALT induces a variety of responses, including cytokine and chemokine production and innate immune response, to establish acquired immunity. NALT consists of epithelial cells, epithelium-associated lymphoid tissues such as IgA-committed B cells, innate lymphocytes, T helper cells and dendritic cells. Intranasal immunization has recently been shown to effectively induce a proactive immune response in the local mucosa in addition to a systemic immune response. A variety of factors can cause otitis media, including Eustachian tube dysfunction, inflammation, allergy and viral and bacterial infections. However, the detailed pathogenesis of otitis media is not yet completely understood. In this report, we provide evidence suggesting that adenoid tissue as a component of NALT in children may play an important role in inducing innate immunity following viral infection.