Cook EB, Stahl JL, Esnault S, Barney NP, Graziano FM. Toll-like receptor 2 expression on human conjunctival epithelial cells: a pathway for Staphylococcus aureus involvement in chronic ocular proinflammatory responses.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2005;
94:486-97. [PMID:
15875531 DOI:
10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61120-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Staphylococcus aureus colonization is common in atopic keratoconjunctivitis, potentially activating epithelial cells via toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and the receptor for platelet-activating factor (PAFR).
OBJECTIVES
To examine human conjunctival epithelial cells for the expression of TLR-2 in vitro and in vivo and to evaluate the role of TLR-2 in S aureus-mediated activation of these cells.
METHODS
Conjunctival epithelial cells isolated from cadaveric tissues were stimulated with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) or a commercial S aureus cell wall extract (Staphylococcus aureus-CWE) (with or without anti-TLR-2 blocking antibody or PAFR antagonist) and were analyzed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) release; surface expression of TLR-2, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, HLA, and CD14; and TLR-2 messenger RNA expression. Ocular surface cells collected via impression cytology were examined for TLR-2 expression via flow cytometry.
RESULTS
Expression of TLR-2 was up-regulated on conjunctival epithelial cells by IFN-gamma and Staphylococcus aureus-CWE. Expression of TLR-2 messenger RNA was increased by IFN-gamma. Staphylococcus aureus-CWE up-regulated intercellular adhesion molecule 1, HLA, and CD14 expression and increased TNF-alpha and IL-8 release in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-TLR-2 significantly inhibited TNF-alpha release, whereas PAFR antagonist significantly inhibited IL-8 release. Toll-like receptor 2 was expressed on conjunctival epithelial cells from 4 of 5 patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis, 3 of 5 with seasonal allergies, and 0 of 3 without allergies.
CONCLUSIONS
Conjunctival epithelial cells express TLR-2 and may play an active role in the chronic ocular inflammatory response to S aureus through pathways that involve TLR-2 and PAFR.
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