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Super-resolution immunohistochemistry study on CD4 and CD8 cells and the relation to macrophages in human cochlea

Wei Liu1, Helge Rask-Andersen1

  • 1Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.

Journal of Otology
|April 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Resident macrophages and T cells (CD4+, CD8+) are present in the human cochlea, particularly in the modiolus. These immune cells interact, suggesting a role in cochlear immunity and response to stimuli like cochlear implants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The human cochlea harbors resident macrophages, primarily in the stria vascularis and near auditory nerves.
  • These macrophages are implicated in processing antigens from pathogens or cochlear implant (CI) insertion, suggesting a role in innate and adaptive immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize T cells (CD4+, CD8+) and macrophage markers (MHCII, CD11b) in the human cochlea.
  • To investigate the distribution and potential interactions of these immune cells within the cochlear microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect specific cell markers.
  • Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) was utilized for high-resolution imaging of cellular structures and interactions.

Main Results:

  • CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected in the human cochlea, primarily in the modiolus, Rosenthal's canal periphery, and spiral ligament.
  • Macrophages were abundant in the stria vascularis and between auditory neurons, while T cells were scarce in these areas and absent in the organ of Corti.
  • SR-SIM revealed close proximity and physical interactions between macrophages and T cells in the modiolus, with macrophages extending processes towards lymphocytes.

Conclusions:

  • The human cochlea contains both resident macrophages and T cells (CD4+, CD8+).
  • These immune cells exhibit distinct spatial distributions and interact within the cochlear tissue, particularly in the modiolus.
  • The findings suggest a functional immune presence within the cochlea, potentially involved in immune surveillance and response to injury or foreign bodies.
Keywords:
CD4CD8Human cochleaLymphocyteMacrophageT cell

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