Interleukin-1 modulates T6 expression on a putative intra-epithelial Langerhans cell precursor population

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• T6 antigen is a specific marker for Langerhans cells.
• Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-1 inhibitors (ILS) are known to modulate T6 expression in explant cultures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of IL-1 and ILS on T6 expression in dispersed gingival epithelial cell (EC) cultures.
• To determine if IL-1 and ILS influence T6 expression in gingival epithelial cells.

Main Methods:

• Gingival epithelial cells (EC) were obtained via trypsinization from periodontal surgery fragments.
• T6 expression was assessed using the OKT6 monoclonal antibody and an immuno-peroxidase technique.
• Cells were cultured for 4 and 24 hours with IL-1 and/or ILS, with viability assessed to rule out proliferation or necrosis.

Main Results:

• IL-1 (0.5 U/mL) significantly stimulated T6 expression in both unseparated and T6-depleted EC.
• The stimulatory effect of IL-1 on T6 expression was abrogated by ILS (1:30).
• ILS alone decreased T6 expression in unseparated EC cultures, with no observed impact on cell viability.

Conclusions:

• A subset of gingival epithelial cells can be induced to express the T6 antigen by IL-1.
• IL-1 and ILS play a regulatory role in T6 expression on gingival epithelial precursor cells and DR(-) Langerhans cells.